Our Story: Two Paths Converge
Manual cold caps have been in very limited use in the US for the past ten years, however, it wasn’t until December 8, 2015 that a scalp cooling device was actually granted Clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Patsy's Path
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, Patsy Graham underwent her first chemotherapy regimen and proceeded to lose almost all of her long dark curly hair. However, by the time she was ready for her second infusion, she had heard about “Cold Caps” that could help protect her hair and enable it to grow back during her remaining chemo treatments. She ordered the caps and by the time she had completed her chemotherapy, her hair was already growing back. Understanding how it felt to be a bald woman and what it meant to be able to regain her hair during chemotherapy was all Patsy needed to inspire her to want to help provide this option to other cancer patients.
Patsy set up a non-profit called Cold Caps Assistance Projects (CCAPS) and began by subsidizing patients in Texas. In early 2014 CCAPS went national and many more patients requested subsidies.
HairToStay is Born
Bethany and Patsy decided to join forces. They launched HairToStay in April 2016, with a goal of building a national subsidy program that could be supported by partnerships with both philanthropic and commercial organizations.
Changing of the Guard
Patsy had a milestone (70th) birthday in 2017, and decided to focus strictly on being our liaison for patients looking for just a little more personalized support, a role she performs with experience and empathy.
Meeting a Growing Need
Scalp Cooling gains more traction in the United States, and because of disruptions in medical care due to Covid, and financial hardship, more patients are needing our subsidies. HairToStay continues to provide support throughout the pandemic, producing memorable, safe and fun fundraising events, so that HairToStay can continue to help Cooler Heads Prevail.
Scalp Cooling goes Mainstream
Still not consistently covered by health insurance, scalp cooling becomes more widely available.
A CNN Champions for Change segment is produced about scalp cooling and HairToStay. The Haircare & Beauty Industry joins with our organization to help raise funds.
HairToStay is seeing more 'Young Thrivers' (women under 40) apply for subsidies, and our 'SaveIt Forward' program takes root, helping to expand our donor base.