NBCCC launches with first major initiative: #WigWarriors

A new charity supporting people living with cancer in the Northern Beaches region officially launches today.

Formed by a group of locals touched by cancer, the Northern Beaches Community Cancer Care Charity (NBCCC) offers support to local cancer patients and is the first charity of its type in the region to work in conjunction with professional caregivers.

The NBCCC launches with the announcement of its first major initiative #WigWarriors - a fundraising campaign raising funds to establish and maintain a Wig Library at the Northern Beaches Hospital.

“In the month of April, we are holding our #WigWarriors campaign and inviting everyone who goes to the hairdresser or barber in that month to make a donation to NBCCC to support the Wig Library,” says NBCCC chairperson and founder, Bonita Mersiades.

“A Wig Library is a vital part of an Oncology Unit to support people receiving cancer treatment who suffer from hair loss.”

The Northern Beaches Hospital does not currently have a Wig Library, though space has been set aside to accommodate one.

“Our aim is to establish a Wig Library with a variety of different wigs, hair colours and hair styles, as well as give each person requiring a wig the right shampoo, conditioner and accessories to care for their wig,” says Mersiades.

In addition to the Wig Library initiative, the charity will conduct fundraising activities to support patients through the delivery of a care coordinator across cancer types, specialist oncology clinical trials pharmacist, priority medical equipment, clinical trials support and support for people living with cancer in the Northern Beaches.

Other local residents who have formed the charity are all surviving cancer patients or have had loved ones who are cancer patients. They include 59-year-old Julian Henwood, who has enjoyed living on the Northern Beaches for the past 30 years and was diagnosed with lower oesophageal cancer in 2019.

A fighter and inspiration, Julian is now on a mission to give back to his community and help other cancer patients in the Northern Beaches region through the NBCCC.

“It is an honour to be a part of the NBCCC and it is needed by cancer patients across the region. I want to help others face their cancer head on,” says Henwood. “There are so many who are less fortunate than me and I would love to see them receive the best care possible for their individual circumstances.”

NBCCC is a community led not for profit organisation. In addition to Julian Henwood and Chair Bonita Mersiades, NBCCC board members include Lisa Gallate, Gilda Galluzzo (Treasurer), Kate McQuestin (Secretary) and Alex Norrie.

Member for Manly, James Griffin today welcomed the launch of the NBCCC, “It’s wonderful to see people in our great community coming together and volunteering to help others in such
meaningful, practical and supportive ways.

“I encourage everyone to contribute to this wonderful local charity anyway they can.”