Giving a wig means giving hope

There are hair stylists, there are wigmakers, and there is Lillian Lee, who does all of that and more. Much more. Lillian Lee is a warrior for women’s beauty and overall health. She is also a guiding light for people who are faced with the challenge of cancer diagnoses, subsequent treatments, and paths to recovery.

In 2007, Lillian created Do Wonders at her hair salon, which then was in Teaneck — since then she’s moved to Bergenfield — when she recognized a need for some of her clientele who were diagnosed with cancer. Many of her clientele, who are Orthodox women, heard that she was looking for gently used wigs, and they began to donate theirs.

(Many married women in the Orthodox community wear wigs, or “sheitels,” as a sign of modesty, as mandated in their reading of Jewish law. Wearing a wig is associated with being married and signifies a woman’s commitment to her husband and family. A married woman’s hair is considered private and should be reserved for her husband.)

Within a few weeks, Lillian had accumulated 100 wigs.

What began as acts of kindness and chesed blossomed into Do Wonders, a successful nonprofit organization. Lillian is passionate about Do Wonders. Since she began it, Lillian has customized hundreds of wigs for women and girls undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Do Wonders now provides wigs to people from all walks of life, of all ages, who are undergoing cancer treatments.

Lillian is an example of someone who uses her talents to make the world a better place. Although she is immersed in Do Wonders, she continues to maintain her clientele for regular hair styling. When I visited her salon the other day, she introduced me to Jean and Samantha, a mother and a daughter who both received Do Wonders services during their chemotherapy treatments.

Jean was more than willing to tell her story to me, and to tell Samantha’s as well. When Samantha was diagnosed with cancer, at 15 years old, the social workers at the hospital referred her to Lillian Lee and Do Wonders. “We met with Lillian and immediately trusted her and loved her warm personality,” Jean said. “She customized a wig for Samantha, and it helped her feel like herself again.”

A few years later, Jean also was diagnosed with cancer, underwent treatment, and received a customized wig from Lillian and Do Wonders. “Lillian helped us through a very difficult time of feeling low and scared, and she gave us a sense of hope,” Jean said. “Not only did she provide beautiful wigs to us, but she was a shoulder to cry on, a supportive safety net, and she was someone we could talk to.”

Since then, Jean has returned to work as a science teacher, and Samantha has resumed her studies. Reflecting on the last few years, Jean relayed an important message. “Being a science teacher, I am trained to rely on information, and that’s what helped me through,” she said. “Even if the information is difficult to process, knowledge is power and a tool to utilize for the path to recovery.”

Nowadays, Jean and Samantha return to Lillian for regular haircuts and styling. Andy, Jean’s husband, is in on it too, and comes for his own haircuts, so does their older daughter, Jessica. Even though it’s a 30-minute drive from their home, they always return to Lillian’s salon in Bergenfield. “Lillian is like family to us, and we are so grateful to her and the Do Wonders organization,” Jean said. “Besides, she’s just so much fun to talk to, and we enjoy sharing stories about our children.”

Gail Weiss is one of the women who has donated her wigs to Lillian and Do Wonders. “Lillian does amazing chesed, she exemplifies what it means to be a righteous gentile,” Gail said. “She’s respected by many, and people in the Jewish community look up to her.”

Lillian is of Hispanic descent, and many of her clients who have become her good friends are Jewish, so she is well versed in our traditions and culture. Lillian has visited Israel, saying, “It was the best trip of my life. I was invited by an Israeli wig company to learn about their wigs, and they were looking for American representation. Everyone was so welcoming, and I was able to visit all the holy sites with both Jewish and Christian tour guides.

“I also was at the Western Wall, and for the first time I felt close to God. It was truly a spiritual experience.”

Do Wonders works closely with the Foundation of Hope and Innovation assisting patients from oncology institutes and clinics across the country. The foundation’s mission is to provide comfort, confidence, and encouragement to people affected by cancer. It offers free resources for patients’ physical, emotional, and daily needs.

When I asked what prompted the decision to use her skills for women with cancer, Lillian said, “Being a hair designer by trade, it felt natural to look at a wig and see the potential for styling to fit a patient’s needs. That was a major factor in trying to transform and help these women so they can look and feel like themselves during this difficult time.”

Do Wonders fills an important niche. “We provide women with a gift of hope, beauty and joy,” Lillian said. “Along with the Foundation of Hope, we share the belief that these patients deserve high-quality care and support services, and that includes receiving and being educated in the care of specialized wigs that help to bolster spirits and attitudes.”

When treatments are completed, many survivors try to give back by attending fundraisers and donating their wigs.

Lillian Lee believes that positive attitudes help in the overall recovery process, and we all have the opportunity to make a difference and do wonders.

Esther Kook of Teaneck is a reading and learning specialist. She’s also a freelance writer, and her work has appeared in Hadassah magazine.