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The guest of honor will be one of America’s most loved, admired and respected newspeople, Pat Battle, a breast cancer survivor and Teaneck resident who anchors “Weekend Today in New York” on NBC.
“Do Wonders,” the non-profit organization hosting the 5 p.m. program at the Teaneck Marriott at Glennpoint, was created by Lillian Lee, who owns and operates the Teaneck Road salon that bears her name.
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.
So Lee for years has been collecting, refurbishing and customizing donated wigs.
She took her charity to a higher level by establishing Do Wonders as a 501(c)3 designated non-profit, and launching last year’s inaugural coming-out fundraiser.
The event not only broadened the organization’s reach and connected it with many new recipients: It also allowed Do Wonders to begin buying brand new wigs for children instead of adapting adult versions.
“It’s all because of this loyal and caring community,” Lee said.
A longtime Teaneck resident, Lee was inspired by Superior Court Judge Deborah Ustas — which made for a shock when she got a call asking for one of the 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,” she said.
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5 p.m. THIS SUNDAY (Teaneck Marriott at Glennpoint): Night of Wonders will feature a silent auction of goods and services donated by local businesses, raffles, a cocktail hour, kosher food/dairy fare/sushi bar and the benefit concert, with all proceeds going to Do Wonders. Several planned performances are expected to draw raves, including Escobar’s. SEE VIDEO:
TICKETS/MORE INFO: Night of Wonders 2014
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“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,” she said. “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,” the woman added. “I’m beyond thrilled to have been in your company.”
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