As we stepped into the new year, the For Nina Foundation proudly continued our mission of providing comfort and confidence to young patients battling illness. On January 17th, we returned to Gainesville for our third Wig Day, bringing warmth, joy, and renewed self-esteem to three incredible young individuals. Without our usual “wig wagon,” we adapted our approach to meet each patient in the hospital or at the Ronald McDonald House, ensuring they received the personalized care they deserved.
A New Year, A New Look: Angel’s Transformation
Our first recipient of the day was Angel, a 20-year-old young woman who had been through an incredibly challenging journey. When we entered her hospital room, the difference in her energy was immediate—she was feeling much better than she had in recent months, and her radiant smile set the tone for a beautiful visit.
Angel and Erica had already met before, and within moments, she and Katia, our talented wigmaker, were chatting like old friends. As Katia carefully removed the long, silky brunette wig Angel had chosen, she took a few moments to restyle it after the trip. Meanwhile, Angel received a collection of wig care products and learned how to maintain her new look with ease.
Angel’s face lit up with excitement when the wig was placed perfectly. Without a mirror, she was bursting with anticipation to see herself. Her joy was undeniable when she caught her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Angel’s mom watched her daughter glow with renewed confidence. Before we left, we gifted her a For Nina t-shirt and baseball cap, which she wore proudly. Seeing her happiness reminded us of our purpose.
Restoring Joy: Nohea’s Reaction of Pure Amazement
Our next stop was Nohea’s hospital room, where the eight-year-old awaited us eagerly. Despite remaining in bed for the visit, Nohea’s excitement was evident from the start. Katia gently introduced her to her new wig, taking the time to explain every step of the process. Nohea carefully observed as she learned how to care for her new hair.
Unlike Angel, Nohea didn’t have a mirror in front of her—so she had to rely on our reactions to gauge how stunning she looked. When someone handed her a phone so she could see herself, her jaw literally dropped. The silence was brief before she broke into a smile, staring in amazement at her reflection. For months, she had not seen herself with long hair, and the feeling was both surprising and exhilarating.
As we prepared to say goodbye, we gifted Nohea her very own For Nina t-shirt and baseball cap. She immediately tried on the hat, grinning from ear to ear. The happiness she and her mother shared in that moment was priceless.
A Perfect Fit: Kai’Ann’s Dream Wig
Our final visit of the day took us back to the familiar and welcoming Ronald McDonald House, where we had met several past recipients. There, we met Kai’Ann, a vibrant and energetic young girl who had been waiting for this day with so much anticipation. Her mother and baby sister were by her side, creating a warm and loving environment as we walked in.
By the time we arrived, Kai’Ann and Katia were already deep in conversation, discussing the details of her wig. Kai’Ann was thrilled as she looked through her new wig care products, excited to learn how to care for her beautiful hair. But the true moment of joy came when she finally saw the wig she had been waiting for. It was exactly what she had imagined.
Kai’Ann’s petite face was mostly hidden behind her oversized mask, but her eyes told the whole story. They sparkled with excitement as she touched her new hair, giggling with happiness. After ensuring the fit was just right, we handed her a For Nina t-shirt and hat, which she happily wore to complete her transformation.
A Day to Remember
As we packed up and prepared for the journey home, Katia and Erica were filled with gratitude and joy. Seeing these young warriors light up with happiness was the best way to begin 2025. The mission of the For Nina Foundation is to restore confidence and dignity to those experiencing unimaginable challenges, and through these wigs, we give them a piece of their identity back.
Each smile, each moment of excitement, and each heartfelt “thank you” fuels our commitment to keep going. To those who support our foundation, know that your generosity makes this possible.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you’d like to be a part of this incredible mission, please consider donating or spreading the word about the For Nina Foundation. Every contribution helps us provide wigs, joy, and confidence to young patients who need it most.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Here’s to another year of bringing light and love to those who need it most.
