March 2026
For many people, hair loss is one of the most visible and deeply personal parts of cancer treatment. It can change how patients see themselves, how they feel in the world, and affect their confidence as they face the road ahead. At a time when so much already feels uncertain, losing their hair can take away yet another sense of control.
For some patients, scalp cooling caps offer something incredibly meaningful in return. By helping to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss, these caps can allow patients to hold on to a part of their identity and dignity. For families, they can bring quiet comfort – helping a loved one to look a little more like themselves during an incredibly difficult time. And for many, this emotional support can make the treatment journey just that little bit more bearable.
Thanks to a generous legacy gift from the Estate of Joseph Henry, along with the kindness of community donors, St John of God Subiaco Hospital has been able to purchase two new Paxman Scalp Cooling Systems. Additional community support has also helped fund new machines for St John of God Murdoch Hospital, allowing even more patients to access this highly valued cancer care treatment.
Over the past year alone, 101 patients accessed scalp cooling across 468 chemotherapy sessions at St John of God Subiaco Hospital. As demand continues to grow, these new systems will gently expand access, ensuring more people have the opportunity to benefit from this supportive care.
Each day, caregivers witness the emotional weight of cancer treatment and understand how important it is to support not just physical health, but emotional wellbeing.
“For many patients, the cooling cap provides not just the chance to keep their hair, but a sense of control at a time when so much feels out of their hands. Having more systems would mean we can offer this choice to more people – and that truly matters,” says Tanya O’Connor, Nurse Unit Manager, Murdoch Hospital.
To every donor who has made this possible—thank you. Your kindness is helping to offer comfort, choice, and dignity to patients when they need it most. Your support is felt in ways that go far beyond treatment, touching lives with compassion and care.
Pictured above: The donor thank you plaque held by caregivers at St John of God Subiaco Hospital.