In 2014 she started The Harmony of Hope Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted to helping children who suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer, alopecia and chemotherapy. Caldwell herself understands the struggles these children face, because she has suffered from Alopecia Universalis since 1999.
The foundation is hosting its third annual Bald and Beautiful Charity Ball on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at The Savannah Center, 5533 Chappell Crossing Blvd. in West Chester.
Q: What are highlights of this year’s Bald and Beautiful Charity Ball?
A: The event will feature silent auctions, pre-event shopping, full-course meal, live entertainment, fun activities, silent auction, photo booth, fashion show and an honorary speaker.
All proceeds will go toward providing children in our local communities free consultation, wigs, wig care kits or a custom made wig.
Q: What is Harmony of Hope Foundation, Inc.?
A: Harmony for Hope Foundation Inc. (HoHF) is dedicated to raising the level of awareness and acceptance of children's hair loss through forming strategic alliances with medical, beauty fashion industries and children's health organizations. The three colors in our logo signify the categories of focus — gold for all children's cancer, purple for all cancers and royal blue for alopecia — encompassing serious illness that cause hair loss or baldness.
Through the HoHF, a much needed dialogue will be opened that will address the psychological, social and medical impact of hair loss on children and their families.
Q: How will HoHF encourage this dialogue?
A: Multiple dialogue platforms — both online and in public, coupled with high profile and broad-based appeal awareness events — are currently set and being developed. Activities include a series of fundraising events, live seminars and "how to" courses in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Kentucky, in addition to an online forum.
Q: What is the mission of HoHF?
A: We believe, in its most profound sense, beauty has the power to evoke experiences of positive reflection, inspiring all children to allow themselves the ability to not only feel comfortable in their skin, but also to feel beautiful.
Q: How can someone donate their hair to help a child fighting cancer or suffering from alopecia?
A: Growing, cutting and donating hair to the Harmony of Hope Foundation helps make real-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to serious illness and or diseases.
Hair should be at least 8 inches in length or longer is preferred. Hair must be clean, dry, pony-tailed or braided to help keep the hair in one direction; place a rubber band or pony tail holder on each end for protection. Non-chemically treated hair is preferred; however, hair in any good condition is acceptable. Gray hair is acceptable.
Directions for mailing hair and printing the donation form can be found at http://harmonyofhope.com/.
Q: What happens to the hair after it is donated?
A: Volunteers open the packages and separate donation slips from the hair. The hair then gets tagged and separated into colors and lengths by another set of volunteers. Once there are 15 ponytails, the hair is shipped to a wig manufacturer who holds onto that hair until we place an order. The hair is shipped to our wig manufacturer to make hair replacements for the children.
For more information or to donate, go online to http://harmonyofhope.com/.
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