APPLETON (NBC 26) — Betsy Rachubinski gives the gift of hair to anyone who needs it.
“I have women where they come in, and I have to shave their head," she said. "And they cry because they're like, 'I don't want to lose my hair,' but it's already coming out, and it's just traumatizing. And then they can have a wig that makes them feel a little bit more whole.”
The hair stylist started Peaceful Purpose just a couple years ago. Last year during the annual Lift Our Purpose campaign, which takes place every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the nonprofit surpassed its fund-raising goal of $25,000 dollars.
“I had no idea," said Rachubinski. "When I started Peaceful Purpose, it was my little way of using my skill to give back. I love doing hair. I also love helping people feel good. I love helping them through their journey. I literally had no idea how much it would take off and how much people support it and stand behind my mission.”
This October, Peaceful Purpose is hoping to raise $35,000 dollars through online donations, checks, as well as selling and putting in pink hair extensions at the Naava Salon.
“I don't think that there's a reason why people in our community cannot fund one wig for somebody going through hair loss and take that financial burden off of them," said Rachubinski. "It's huge.”
The nonprofit will also be sharing stories on social media all month from those who got help from Peaceful Purpose.
“It makes you feel a little bit more whole," said Rachubinski. "When you lose your hair, to a woman who's had their hair their whole life, or a child who is in middle school or high school, it's devastating. You feel like you've lost a part of your identity. If we can give that back to them and make them feel a little bit more comfortable, I think that it's important for all of us in the community to be a part of that.”
You can make donations online here or drop them off at the Naava Salon in Appleton.
