At the start of February, I got a voicemail from a woman named Rosa. Her voice was kind but urgent—she was reaching out about a wig for her 20-year-old niece, Natalia, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. When I called her back, she shared how she had found The For Nina Foundation.
A few weeks earlier, Rosa had come across an Instagram video of Katia working with an adult cancer patient. In the clip, Katia cut the patient’s hair and transformed it into a wig. When the patient saw herself in the mirror, she was overwhelmed with emotion. That moment stuck with Rosa, and she saved the post, never expecting she’d need it so soon.
Just days later, Natalia was diagnosed and started treatment at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. She had spent the last three years growing out her hair, and the thought of losing it was heartbreaking. As soon as Rosa heard the news, she remembered the video and reached out to Katia. When Katia explained that we could make a custom wig using Natalia’s own hair and deliver it to her personally, Rosa was stunned. It felt like fate.
After our call, all we needed were photos of Natalia and her vision for the wig. Katia took care of the rest, arranging a visit to the hospital to cut Natalia’s hair and start crafting a wig designed just for her.
Less than two weeks later, it was ready. By then, Natalia had been discharged and was recovering at home, so Katia and I planned to bring it to her in person. That Friday evening, we sat with Natalia and her parents in their warm and welcoming home, talking about family, hair, and the foundation’s mission.
As Katia styled the wig, Natalia watched closely. She was studying business but had a deep love for cosmetology—she was already a certified nail technician and ran her own nail care business from home. She and Katia bonded over their shared passion for beauty, making sure every detail of the wig was just right.
While they worked, Natalia’s father proudly showed me the manicure station he had set up for her, complete with rows of nail polish and a professional workspace. His love for his daughter was obvious in every detail.
Before we left, we admired Natalia’s brother’s artwork on the walls and talked with her mother about her love of gardening. As a sweet parting gift, Natalia’s mother insisted we take a piece of their home with us—Amaryllis bulbs from her garden for me and plant cuttings from India for Katia.
Every time we meet a patient, we’re reminded that behind every diagnosis is a person with a story, a family, and dreams. Cancer is just one chapter of their journey, and if we can bring even a little bit of joy during that time, it’s a privilege.
At The For Nina Foundation, we don’t just create wigs—we help restore confidence, dignity, and hope. And moments like Natalia’s remind us why this work is so important.
