SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Thanks to a donation from Box Butte Health Foundation, patients visiting Emma’s Closet in Regional West’s Cancer Treatment Center now have a greater selection of wigs to choose from.

Sixty-seven wigs were received from Jane’s Closet, a service of Box Butte Health Foundation that helps cancer patients in Box Butte County with financial assistance and comfort bags. Jane’s Closet was established in memory of Jane Wineteer, a past Box Butte General Hospital employee and breast cancer patient dedicated to helping others who are fighting cancer.

When Jane’s Closet had a surplus of wigs, they wanted to donate to a place that would help local cancer patients. After some research, Box Butte Health Foundation Director Chelsea Thompson got in touch with Regional West Cancer Services social worker Jennifer Hiltgen, BSW, MHA. Thompson said she is happy that Jane’s Closet was able to ‘pay it forward’ for patients in the area.

“A lot of people from Alliance come to Scottsbluff for cancer treatment, so it’s great that everything stayed local,” Thompson said. “Our CEO, Lori Mazanec, has been a part of Jane’s Closet from the beginning and said Jane would be so proud knowing how many people have benefitted.”

Like Jane’s Closet, Emma’s Closet in Regional West’s Cancer Treatment Center is dedicated to helping the region’s cancer patients. After the Cancer Treatment Center relocated to Medical Plaza South in 2000, and with a generous donation from a retired storeowner, Emma’s Closet was born. Women can find new and gently used wigs, hats, scarves, and turbans at no cost, helping provide a bright spot in cancer treatment journeys.

“We’ve had a lot of laughter and a lot of tears in Emma’s Closet,” said Hiltgen. “Everyone is at different stages when they come to see us. For some, it’s the night before they shave their heads. For others, it’s, ‘I’m getting ready for my first treatment, and they say hair loss is going to happen.’ We’re blessed to be there for those moments.”

Clinical Patient Care Navigator Barb Jensen, RN, said Emma’s Closet also offers an opportunity for patients to explore fun new styles.

“Some patients try other colors and styles. I tell them, ‘Now’s the time to try something different!’”

“The patients are going through so much already,” Thompson added. “Finding a wig is one less thing they have to worry about.”

Any woman who is experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment is welcome to stop by Emma’s Closet and see what’s available. The Cancer Treatment Center is located in Medical Plaza South, 3911 Avenue B, Suite G100.

If you’d like to donate to or learn more about Emma’s Closet, please call the Cancer Treatment Center at 308-630-1348 or visit https://www.rwhs.org/services/cancer/cancer-services. To learn more about Jane’s Closet, visit https://www.bbgh.org.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s only tertiary medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. Regional West offers comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.