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Tisha Ward, of the American Cancer Society, describes her work and explains that she hopes to one day lose it. For a good reason.
A. Stacy Long, Montgomery Announcer
Tisha Ward works with wigs for cancer patients as part of her work at the American Cancer Society in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh / Announcer)
There is hair to his left and more to his right, both sitting on mannequin heads, sitting in drawers and always stuffed into the boxes in which they arrived.
Tisha Ward sits on a chair in the middle of the room with a mirror behind her that is surrounded by lights in a style that befits a model's dressing room during a fashion show.
The setting is a place normally reserved for women who are going through one of the most difficult times that anyone can live and who often feel lost, alone and depressed.
One of Ward's objectives in this piece – even if, in fact, all of his goals, whatever the context – is to help him.
But this piece, nestled in the back of Montgomery's office American Cancer Society is where it can see a wink in the eye of the cancer survivor, where they take a step toward regaining their self-confidence and reaffirming their place in the world .
"When people are undergoing chemotherapy, the loss of their hair is a common side effect," Ward said. "Losing your hair can have a huge impact on your self-esteem as a woman."
This is just one aspect of the American Cancer Society's mission, a job it has been doing since next month – for 18 years.
But it could be the one that generates the most smiles.
When ACS helps provide free accommodation or transportation for those who are undergoing treatment or helping newly diagnosed people to organize for their fight, wigs can bring a moment of relief.
When someone looks in the mirror and sees themselves in a different light, there is a moment when they look beyond their cancer.
Wigs are given free of charge to patients and are available in all lengths and colors.
Short or long. Curly or straight. Black, brown, blond, red or gray. More conservative or more oriented to a rock band of the 80s. There are also hats, scarves and turbans.
Make your choice.
"It's my favorite part of the job," Ward said.
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Tisha Ward works with wigs for cancer patients as part of her work at the American Cancer Society in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. (Photo: Mickey Welsh / Announcer)
Ward, who turns 42 on October 27, is one of eight full-time workers based at the Montgomery office, who works closely with other state ACS offices in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile.
All had their time with wigs.
"We have a very tight team here," said Ward.
But Ward, a mother whose family has had cancer in the past and whose son has her own medical career, is the advertiser's community hero for October.
"She's great," said Courtney Williams, who has been with ACS since April after returning from Montgomery, Florida.
Williams and Ward have known each other for years. When Williams announced that she was settling in the area shortly after the death of her cancer grandparents, Ward suggested she apply for the vacant ACS position. .
"She's good at what she's doing and she's still training me today," said Williams, describing her work as "fun and rewarding."
Ward quickly came to the same conclusion, shortly after starting work for the American Cancer Society.
She had worked in the retail business and for an insurance company before joining ACS – and can no longer imagine working elsewhere. Although she hopes not to have to work there forever.
In addition to helping cancer patients, the CHA also attracts attention and raises funds for cancer research.
There are Relay For Life events throughout the year in the area, from Phenix City to Selma and surrounding areas. There is the annual A Vintage Affair Gala in February. Making progress against breast cancer will be held Saturday at the Montgomery train shed.
Her favorite? "Ooh, I do not know, it's difficult," she said.
Ward said that she liked them all for different reasons.
"You dive into the culture. It's mind-boggling, "said Ward. "I am so much more fortunate to help someone else. You are having a difficult day and someone needs help. It makes you understand why we do what we do. "
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Tisha Ward works with wigs for cancer patients as part of her work at the American Cancer Society in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. (Photo: Mickey Welsh / Announcer)
Ward's family was touched by cancer, including her mother, grandmother and grand-uncle before starting work for ACS. Five other people, including his father, have since been diagnosed.
Father and grandmother of husband Brian too.
"But you have trouble finding someone who is not affected in one way or another," Ward said.
Ward said that these experiences help him help those who come to ACS. She has lived with the anguish of being diagnosed by a close family member and understands the desperation that this can cause.
She also participated in long-term medical treatment with her now-teenage son. Evan, now 13, lives with hemophilia.
"Sometimes I think it may have helped me develop a sense of empathy," Ward said. "When you face challenges, they can sometimes make you a little empathic.
"You are much slower to judge or jump to a conclusion. You stop and think about what others are going through. "
Ward said she already knew the doctors and nurses of her work at the American Cancer Society. By browsing it with Evan, including the time spent at the The Alabama Children's Hospital in Birmingham reinforced this feeling.
"We are very fortunate to have the medical community and the doctors we have, for cancer patients and patients with blood disorders," Ward said.
"Everybody."
Some of the people who sat on the ACS chair and chose a wig became close friends of Ward and / or his colleagues.
She saw many others around the city. (In these cases, she waits for them to approach in case they are reluctant to remember what happened.)
Some quickly choose a wig and go away.
"You form links with some more than others, but I do not think I've ever had someone who is not grateful," Ward said. "It's hard to help someone and not to get involved."
The process of adaptation usually takes at least 30 minutes, which is why the ACS schedules the appointments. It's usually a relaxed atmosphere, while they "buy".
"I recently had someone (where) the first one she put was what she wanted," Ward said. "Most people want it to look like their hair. Often, it looks like they just left and got their hair done. "
Asked if she considers herself a wig expert, Ward hesitates but adds, "I've done a few."
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Tisha Ward works with wigs for cancer patients as part of her work at the American Cancer Society in Montgomery, Alabama, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. (Photo: Mickey Welsh / Announcer)
Until August 31, the Montgomery Office of the American Cancer Society had provided 29 wigs and / or hairstyles to cancer patients this year.
Just by the Montgomery office, 724 nights in a Hope Lodge had been given to patients or their caregivers.
A Hope Lodge is a free lodging for people on cancer treatment, which can last five days a week for 6-8 weeks away from home. The nearest is in Birmingham.
Other programs provide transportation to treatments.
"We all have a passion for helping people," Ward says.
Ward has evolved so well in her role that she can not imagine leaving him. But, ironically, she hopes one day.
She hopes her job will simply disappear at some point.
"I will stay as long as they have me and as long as there is no cure," Ward said. "I would like nothing more than to lose my job because there is a cure.
"That's what we hope."
Montgomery Community Heroes
The 12-month Community Heroes Montgomery, sponsored by the law firm Beasley Allen, will profile one person each month this year.
Each monthly winner will receive a $ 500 Travel voucher from Montgomery Regional Airport and American Airlines, a Wind Creek reservation, a dinner at Itta Bena Restaurant and a certificate of appreciation from Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.
At the end of the 12 months, the heroes will be recognized at a banquet and a "hero of 2018" will be honored.
The 12 categories targeted by the Montgomery Advertiser are: educator, health manager, corporate executive, military, youth, law enforcement, firefighter / UTA, community service / non-profit profit, religious leader, senior volunteer, entertainment (arts / music) and a coach).
Do you know a community hero?
To nominate someone for Community Heroes Montgomery, send an email to [email protected]. Please specify the category for which you nominate and your contact information.
January: For Charles Lee, "Success is a child at a time"
February: There is peace of mind to help others fly
March: 'Dynamic' Johnston sparkles behind Respite
April: Frisson Johnson: Helping Children Take Their First Steps to Success
Can: For LaDonna Brendle, wealth comes by helping people in need
June: Coming to America begins Sieu Tang Wood's trip
July: Detective Montgomery SVU makes every victim feel heard
August: The impact of the MPS advisor goes beyond the limits of the school
September: More than a tour guide or teacher, Michelle Browder is an inspiration from Montgomery.
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