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There are few higher callings than the “Do Wonders” program created by entrepreneur Lillian Lee, who owns and operates the Teaneck Road salon that bears her name.
Lee has been collecting, refurbishing and customizing donated wigs for several years.
MORE INFO: http://dowonderscharity.org/
She has taken her charity to a higher level by establishing Do Wonders as a 501(c)3 designated non-profit charity. The Nov. 17 red carpet gala at the Teaneck Jewish Center is both a fundraiser and a coming-out party.
“I am extremely excited to introduce everyone to this wonderful organization and looking forward to expanding our services to help even more women in the years to come,” said Lee, its president.
Lee was inspired by Superior Court Judge Deborah Ustas – which made it an awful shock when she got a call asking for one of those wigs from the judge herself. Lee has since dedicated “Hope Cuts” charity events to Ustas, who died in 2009.
“My number one cheerleader, Debbie pushed me to take on new challenges in business, while her generosity and support of several charities moved me to form my own,” Lee said.
The wigs mean a great deal to the hundreds of patients referred not only by word of mouth but also by Tomorrow’s Children at Hackensack University Medical Center, Gilda’s Club, Holy Name Medical Center and Sharsheret.
“Losing your hair after cancer treatment becomes another frustration in a long battle,” Lee said. “This is one way of helping them cope.
“Feeling good on the outside helps you feel better on the inside. With a customized wig, you can maintain your identity and dignity through such a difficult time.”
The history of Lee’s philanthropy has brought many touching stories.
There was teenager Rosa Holowen, for instance, who lost both of her parents to cancer and was diagnosed with bone cancer herself. The day of Rosa’s prom, Lee and her staff went to work, styling her wig, doing her makeup. She had to have a leg amputated a short time later, but Rosa – a three-sport star at Hasbrouck Heights High School — kept her determination, grace and dignity, inspiring countless others, before dying in August 2010 at 20.
“I very often visit the Hackensack Hospital Cancer Center, where I see so many bald women as a result of the chemo that treats their cancer,” another woman wrote to Lee. “They look as if they were stripped of their femininity as they walk around with no hair.
“You helped me to be more positive and look at this experience from a different angle.”
“Because of your selfless benevolence, this is now one less struggle that has left my worries,” wrote another. “I feel so much like my old self with a wig that looks exactly like my real hair…. I’m beyond thrilled to have been in your company.”
Wigs made of real human hair can cost more than $1,000, which is an additional expense that families of cancer victims often are unable to afford. Do Wonders seeks to bridge that gap.
Night of Wonders will feature a silent auction of donated goods and services by local businesses, a cocktail hour and benefit concert, with all proceeds going to Do Wonders. It begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Teaneck Jewish Center, 70 Sterling Place.
INFO, tickets and/or donate: dowonderscharity.org
To donate silent-auction good: dowondersbusinesses
To advertise in the event program: dowondersadprogram
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