Peeples Cancer Institute (PCI) at Hamilton Medical Center (part of Vitruvian Health) has opened an in-house boutique to provide wig and makeup services.
Boggs Boutique offers five main services: makeup lessons, wig maintenance, basic cuts and styling, wig wraps and fitting lessons, and head shaving for emotional support before or during chemotherapy. All services are complimentary, though patients may make a donation of their preference to receive wigs and take-home makeup.
The boutique is made possible through a generous donation to the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation from local residents Jane and Tommy Boggs, who are members of the foundation’s Burkett Society, which celebrates the achievements of renowned former Hamilton president Norman D. Burkett, Sr. Members of the society are recognized for their extraordinary level of lifetime giving to the foundation and their generous support of Hamilton Medical Center. The gift to develop Boggs Boutique was made during the foundation’s capital campaign for PCI prior to its construction.
Jane Boggs currently serves on the foundation board as chair of the Special Prospects Committee.
“The new services that are being provided at Peeples Cancer Institute will bring comfort and encouragement to so many,” said Jane Boggs. “Tommy and I are so thankful the boutique is staying up to date with products and dedicated services to our patients dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Our entire community is touched in some way by Peeples Cancer Institute. What a blessing to have these services offered to those in need in such a wonderful, caring and supportive environment.”
Jane Snipes, foundation executive director, said the donation demonstrates the impact a donor can make on healthcare. “Whether it’s fitting wigs, helping select head wraps or offering makeup, the services provided in Boggs Boutique help restore a sense of dignity and confidence to patients going through one of the toughest times in their lives,” Snipes said.
Snipes said Boggs Boutique is not just about appearance. “It is about helping them feel empowered and strong – even in the face of adversity. We are grateful to Jane and Tommy for enhancing our supportive services at Peeples Cancer Institute in such a profound way.”
Stacey Gibson, a Dalton-based cosmetologist with 26 years of experience, provides the services located on the third floor of PCI in Boggs Boutique, a one-room salon that opened in August.
She said her involvement in the new venture stems from her personal connections with clients who sought her help choosing and styling wigs during their cancer treatments and providing emotional support.
For over a year, Gibson felt a calling to open a place to provide these services to cancer patients on a larger scale. The vision took root after a serendipitous encounter with Jayme Carrico, the cancer center’s executive director, who was eager to meet when Gibson proposed the idea.
“I’ve always felt a calling to serve,” Gibson said. “Hair is very important, and this is my way of giving back to the community and these incredibly strong women. We’re magnifying love and hope — not the sickness.”
Beyond wigs, the boutique offers a clean product line of makeup that is American Cancer Society-approved. The boutique also provides wigs in a wide price range, and customizes them to fit each patient’s unique style and needs. Patients do not have to pay for the full price of the wig to receive one.
For men, the boutique offers scalp treatments, skin moisturizer and lip treatments. In the near future, male hair replacement options are planned.
Boggs Boutique is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, with plans to expand hours soon. The space is intentionally private and peaceful. Patients can listen to worship music, receive prayer, and even take home healing blankets and handmade crosses gifted by Gibson’s father.
The boutique is open to all cancer patients, including those not receiving other services through PCI. Individuals who are not cancer patients may schedule appointments to purchase makeup at Boggs Boutique at full price to support continued services for those undergoing treatment.
For appointments and questions, call 844-PCI-HOPE.