Coping with hair loss: Jerrolynn's story

When Jerrolynn Dauria was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in fall 2020, she knew chemotherapy treatments would make her hair fall out. “I said to my doctors, ‘I don’t care, if you are going to save my life, the hair doesn’t matter,’” says Jerrolynn. “I immediately went to the New Era Cap Foundation Elevate Salon to get my first wig. Then, the stylist cut the hair on it to fit my head better. The staff is so encouraging and helpful.” 

Specialty salon helps patients navigate hair loss 

New Era Cap Foundation Elevate Salon provides patients with wigs and other resources to help them manage some of the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, maintain a positive outlook and to look and feel more like themselves. The staff offer pretreatment haircuts, head shaves, personalized wig styling, trimming and shaping and more from professional stylists. Staff also can help patients select wigs, hair coverings and scarves. 

Roswell Park is able to offer these compassionate services thanks to generous donor funding, which provided for the renovated space in 2022. 

During Jerrolynn’s recent trip to the salon, she ran into a fellow patient who was struggling to select a wig. “This elderly woman was particularly nervous,” says Jerrolynn. “She said, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ The staff was so kind to her and helped her to select a wig that was an exact match for her hair color. I said to her, ‘You can do it!’ A big smile appeared on her face as soon as they put the wig on her head, and I told her, ‘You are going to be just fine!’"

"I absolutely think it helps people and it’s amazing that Roswell Park has the salon here.” Jerrolynn’s own journey has been a monumental challenge. She endured two major surgeries (including one to remove her ovaries and a spot on her liver) and more than 30 rounds of chemotherapy. However, she has nothing but praise for the Gynecologic Oncology team. “The Gynecology Oncology Department is run to perfection,” says Jerrolynn. “They take you through the entire process with compassion and expertise.” 

She adds that she is grateful for her doctors who have treated her on this years-long journey, gynecologic oncologists Katherine LaVigne Mager, MD, FACOG and Emese Zsiros, MD, PhD, FACOG. “Dr. Mager is a godsend and Dr. Zsiros was my first doctor here and integral in discovering my diagnosis, which was not an easy task. I cannot thank them enough.” 

Support resources key during lengthy treatment 

The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center has been a valued source of patient education and comfort to Jerrolynn during her journey. “There is a lending library where you can check out books and DVDs, and the volunteers are wonderful,” she says. “I met with a woman who teaches patients relaxation techniques. Massages are also available through the resource center.” Jerrolynn adds that patients’ family members or friends are welcome to relax in the center while the patient is in surgery or during an appointment. 

She knows that for her, positive attitude, prayer and family are fundamental to giving her the courage to continue to fight. “My children are phenomenal,” says Jerrolynn. 

As she continues with chemotherapy and periodic scans, Jerrolynn is confident in her cancer care. “We are so blessed to have this facility in our area,” she says. “People come from all over the United States and Canada to be treated here. Roswell Park is only focused on cancer care. Why take a chance going anywhere else?”