Local Nonprofit making a difference in the community
UNION GROVE – The catchy 1967 hit tune “Windy” by The Association holds special meaning for Rochester’s Windy Fisher.
It’s a song about a young, free-spirted woman with “stormy eyes” and “wings to fly” that “Everyone knows it’s Windy.”
In many ways, it’s a tribute to Fisher’s ability to battle adversity and her passion for helping others.
The 53-year-old cancer survivor joined forces with two area women with similar journeys to start Heavenly Locks Foundation, a nonprofit providing beautiful wigs for those entering cancer treatment.
Realizing not everyone can afford an expensive wig in addition to other medical costs, Fisher reached out to fellow breast cancer survivors Kelley Wilks of Union Grove and Waterford’s Julia McDougell.
“Once I learned more, I understood there was a need,” Fisher said.
And so began Heavenly Locks.
“We all have a unique perspective on what women go through,” Wilks said. “All three of us have been chemo patients. We’ve all been there. We’ve all lost our hair and managed it in different ways.”
Through a partnership with Natural Look Salon and Wigs in Hales Corners, Heavenly Locks has raised enough funds to gift nearly one dozen wigs to those in need.
In October, Community State Bank collected $1,000 through employee donations for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Heavenly Locks was presented with a check in that amount on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Fisher said the donation will allow the organization to purchase several wigs for future cancer patients.
“We’ll be able to give them something really nice,” Fisher said. “We want the patient to be able to pick out a wig that’s going to make them feel good and fit their style and personality.”
In 2024, over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
To learn how to become a recipient or to nominate someone in need, visit Heavenly Locks Foundation on Facebook. The organization can also be reached by email at heavenlylocksfoundation@gmail.com or by phone at 414-315-7620.