Virtua Impressions 2018

8 The moment someone receives a cancer diagnosis, a long journey that is both physical and emotional begins. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often say they fear losing their hair even more than enduring the nausea, fatigue and other internal side effects treatment can cause. For many, hair loss is an unwelcome announcement to the world that they have cancer and a constant reminder of the rigors of their illness. Particularly for women, hair loss can have a profound psychological impact that correlates with low self-esteem, depression and grief. Acknowledging the anxiety hair loss triggers in many patients, Frank Rizzieri, the third-generation owner of Rizzieri Salons, Spa and Schools and a Virtua Foundation Board Member, is collaborating with Virtua to launch a hair boutique in the new Samson Cancer Center, which is set to open this fall. Staffed by Rizzieri professionals who will donate their time, the boutique will provide patients with a private salon setting for head-shaving services, wig fittings and scarf-tying lessons to women undergoing cancer treatment, free of charge. On May 21, Rizzieri Salon & Spa in Moorestown hosted the second annual “You Are Beautiful” fundraising event; the chic cocktail reception drew more than 200 guests and raised a remarkable $46,000—including $5,000 from presenting sponsor TD Bank. In total, Rizzieri has already raised more than $90,000 to cover the cost of wigs, scarves and other expenses associated with the new Cancer Center Hair Boutique. Rizzieri’s You Are Beautiful Event and RCCA Gift Support New Cancer Center Hair Boutique