Partnership with American Cancer Society

The Centegra Sage Cancer Center has created partnerships with the American Cancer Society.

For years, their partnership has provided the “Look Good…Feel Better” program to women affected by cancer, to learn how to cope with skin changes and hair loss. These free, monthly sessions empower women to feel and look their best, despite the changes they are enduring.

In June 2010, the American Cancer Society brought a volunteer stylist to conduct the first free Wig Boutique at Centegra Sage Cancer Center. This service provides free, brand new wigs and scarves to women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Valerie Durachta, Patient Services Representative with American Cancer Society, knows the importance of this service for women. “The women are often surprised and happy to know they don’t have to worry about losing their hair,” Durachta said.

Kathy Ehorn, a patient at Centegra Sage Cancer Center and recent wig recipient, is conscientious of the financial burden of cancer.”Cancer is expensive,” she said. “Wigs are even more outrageous, so this service is a way to make me feel normal again without any additional financial burden.” Scheduling an appointment for a free wig is simple and convenient. When patients call to set up an appointment, the American Cancer Society comes to the site to provide a fitting. They offer several different wig options to choose from and help to style it.

To learn more about the Wig Boutique, or schedule an appointment call 800-782-7716.

For years Centegra Health System and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have partnered to provide support services, community relationships, education and more. See below for more information about this dedicated partnership.

Support Services

  • Centegra’s Look Good Feel Better program
    • Served over 100 women in a year
    • Most successful site in ACS Fox Valley’s 5-county region
  • ASC Wig Boutique
    • Since June 2010, local ACS volunteer comes to Centegra on a weekly or biweekly basis, as needed
    • First haircut, head shaving, hats, turbans and wigs
  • Patient Navigation Services
    • Gas cards
    • Hotel stays
  • Road to Recovery
  • Reach to Recovery

Community Relationships

  • Year-long breast cancer awareness campaign conducted in partnership with the ACS and McHenry County Department of Health Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
  • Think Pink Tea at Sun City Huntley
  • Colorectal cancer workshops and screening assistance
  • Great American Smokeout / smoking cessation programs
  • Relay for Life major supporter
    • South McHenry (Crystal Lake South High School)
    • Northern Fox Valley Region/Huntley
    • North McHenry
  • Daffodil Days / Pink Tulip Bulbs

Educational/Informational Resources

  • Physician lectures using ACS provided presentations (colorectal)
  • ACS brochures/books
  • Direct link to ACS from Centegra.org
  • ACS listing as from ACS to American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accredited facilities

Legislation/Advocacy

  • Lobbing efforts for Smoke Free Illinois
  • Lobbying efforts for Breast Screening Controversy

Community Benefits

  • Quarterly representation on Fox Valley Regional Leadership Board
  • Strong team presence with high fundraising potential at area ACS cancer walks

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