The Salon Revive shut its doors at the Royal Jubilee Hospital today, ending 14 years of providing wigs for cancer patients at the hospital.
“I’m not really good at letting go. This has been tough,” said owner Leanna Eastgate, who wears wigs herself due to alopecia.
“It’s not just about putting a wig on someone’s head and off you go. There’s way more to it. I’m really sad.”
The BC Cancer Agency has leased a small space in the hospital to Eastgate since 2002. But late last year, they decided to end the agreement – and despite a petition signed by thousands of people, they stuck by their decision.
We know this is a difficult change for some people. This renovation will improve patient care because it will provide a minimum of four additional clinical exam rooms,” said Kelly Nystedt, Regional Director for the BC Cancer Agency.
Eastgate says over 7,000 people have relied on her service – but she hopes to keep providing wigs for patients at a new location.