Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center - SWRMC Auxiliary's Unique Boutique

What is it?

The Unique Boutique was opened to provide wigs, hats and scarves free of charge to cancer patients who have lost, or will lose, their hair due to chemotherapy induced hair loss or other medical challenges such as Alopecia. The shop is conveniently located on the hospital's campus adjacent to The Women's Imaging Pavilion. Accessing the Unique Boutique supports the goal of making Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center’s Unique Boutique a one stop shop, bringing people and community resources together. The design and furnishings of the Unique Boutique, conceived and brought together by a talented team of hospital volunteers, offer a comforting retreat for those dealing with the damaging effects of cancer. Boutique staff are knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate – and are breast cancer survivors.

Who is it for?

Area women undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

Why do they do it?

In April 1998, the hospital's Auxiliary launched a Free Mammogram program to provide free evaluations for the uninsured individuals in the hospital’s service area. Recognizing a need to further support cancer patients, the Auxiliary opened the Unique Boutique in January 2013.

Impact

The Women’s Imaging Pavilion Cancer Navigator reported in 2013 that there were 261 total cancer patients; 46 patients or 19 percent had chemotherapy, 62 of those cancer patients were served that year at the Unique Boutique. An additional 16 cancer patients from Williamsburg were served at the Boutique, The Auxiliary’s Unique Boutique was the first of its kind when it opened in 2013 on the Peninsula. It has captured the hearts of many local crafters who are passionate about helping the cancer patient’s journey as well. The Williamsburg Chemo Cap team provides an average of 300 caps to the shop annually, the Knitter’s Guild provides an additional 200 scarves, the Wrapped-In-Comfort an additional 250 blankets, and the most recent group, The Williamsburg Stitches, 15 Mastectomy pillows.

Contact: Margaret Cullivan
Director, Patient Relations
Telephone: 757-984-7194
Email: mxculliv@sentara.com