Wig and Prosthesis Program

Y-ME helps breast cancer patients and survivors regain their sense of well-being and self-confidence by providing bras, wigs, and/or prostheses at no cost to those with limited financial resources.  Knowing that you can look and feel more like your “normal” self during and after treatment is important – and has been part of the emotional support available from Y-ME for many years.

Finding a wig or a prosthesis can be difficult if you have limited financial resources, no insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover these services, or won’t pay for reconstruction.  Too often, women in these circumstances feel that they have no options but to “live with” the situation or improvise their own solutions.  We have seen too many women who resorted to stuffing socks in their bras, or who chose to stay home and avoid family, friends and even their jobs because of the way they looked and felt about themselves.  Y-ME can provide expert consultation from a breast cancer survivor to fit you with a good quality wig or prosthesis.  These services are available both in person at our Chicago salon and through our mail order program to women with limited financial resources or insurance coverage.

The Wig and Prosthesis program distributes an average of 55 prostheses, 75 prosthetic bras, and 50 wigs to women in need every month.  It is an integral part of our commitment to ensuring that all women, regardless of income, receive all they need to feel “normal” again and support them as they go through their breast cancer journey.

Here's what our recipients have to say about the program:

“Thank you so much for the wig you sent.  Just when life seems to have let us down, we discover in the honest journey ahead the inner strength that allows us to get back up.”

“I would like to take a few minutes to thank you all for the wig, prostheses and bras.  They truly came in handy.  But most of all, it truly made me feel on the important side.”

“I want to thank you for the wig that you sent me.  It fit perfect and once it was washed and styled it looked pretty good on me.  Thanks! God bless you for your kindness and generosity.”

“I really do love the swim form that you sent.  It fits very nicely.  Now I’ll be able to swim and go boating with my grandson.  It really means a lot to me.  I never expected so much.  You’ve made me very happy!”

“I thank you so much.  I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt when I get dressed today.”

“Thank you so much for your help.  The wig made me look presentable.  A simple thank you seems insignificant but it comes with lots of love and blessings.  I will never forget what a priceless gift you’ve given me.”