Wall of fame

“Losing my hair was the hardest part of my entire fight against cancer. I felt as if I had lost my identity. Now people compliment me on my new, short haircut and I am really proud of it. I wish everyone going through this a lot of courage. Ultimately, this only is a temporary change and what counts is that we are getting better. My treatments have just ended. I still have a long way to go but we have to soldier on, because love and life, there is nothing as wonderful! Here are some photos from before my treatments, during chemo with my wig and of my new, short hair style!

Maria

"Goodbye hat and goodbye wig! For 11 long, terrible months we became inseparable. Goodbye grey hair and hello tube of hair dye… I finally dare to look in the mirror again and gradually I recognise myself again! I still climb every mountain, carrying my backpack of emotional baggage with me, but I feel that I’m getting there… Once I reach the summit, I hope to cast off my ballast… and enjoy the wind in my hair. To be able to smile at the wonderful world around me again. And be able to yell gratefully YES, I DID IT AGAIN! Thank you for making me feel confident about myself with your hats!”

Sabine

"Even though you are temporarily bald, don’t leave off trying to look good, whether you choose to wear a wig, or a hat, or a combination of both. Don’t let your bald head restrict you. Make yourself look good, and special, and be proud of it :D"

Bianca

"This wall of fame is an excellent idea! I love that you are trying to break the taboo and inspire hope in anyone who is confronted with cancer. My chemotherapy started on 5 July and my hair has grown back since January. I now have a nice, short haircut!"

Yasmine

"My hair started to grow back again during my chemo treatments! But my family and friends complimented me so many times on my hair that I decided to keep it short. It looks snappy, upbeat and it’s so easy to style! I had my last treatment at the end of April 2013 and since then I’ve had my hair cut three times already! Recently, at the bank, the lady at the counter asked me for my ID card (which has a photo from before I became sick, with my long hair) and she said: “Oh wow, you cut your hair! It looks much better!' "

Veerle

"Of course I’m proud of my haircut, but I do miss my lovely, long hair..."

Micheline

"Don’t give up. Losing your hair isn’t easy. Fortunately, the scarves and hats will help you through this difficult period (I hardly ever wore my wig). And this is me, five months after my last chemo treatment, with curly hair that is popping out every which way. When my hair started to grow in again, it took quite a while before I dared to leave the house without my wraparounds. And then someone told me I had an excellent spring cut. I look forward to having semi-long hair again, like I used to. But what’s more important than anything is to keep on smiling. Life is too short to mourn about things that really aren’t worth it."

Christine