Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

When Julie Gottschalk walked into her CareCuts appointment, she expected to leave with a shaved head. Chemotherapy had begun taking its toll on her signature long curly ringlets. But instead of shaving it off, the stylist suggested something unexpected: a stylish short bob.  

Julie left the appointment surprised and delighted, recalling, “It was great to walk out of the CareCut and feel good about how I looked after my short cut.” 

For patients like Nancy Haynes and Sarah Burke, hair loss wasn’t just cosmetic. It was deeply personal.  

Nancy’s experience choosing and styling a wig was “emotionally charged,” despite having done it before more than 20 years ago. “The situation can be overwhelming, and it is a true gift that there are people and services available to help me and others through this process,” she shares. 

Her CareCuts stylist, Shannon, helped her shape the wig in a private, caring setting. “She truly took the time to listen and make sure she understood what I wanted. And now I love how I feel when wearing my wig.” 

For Sarah, a free haircut at Flourish through CareCuts was a turning point. “I wasn’t prepared for the challenges I’d face after treatment,” she explains. “I wanted a cute haircut, but I’d never had short hair and didn’t know where to start. My CareCuts appointment made me feel really cute when I walked out. It was one step toward my new normal.” 

Patients Rediscover Themselves Through CareCuts  

Launched in January 2024, CareCuts  is a free salon service for UVA Cancer Center patients, born from patient feedback and brought to life through a collaboration of teams across UVA Health.  

Appointments take place in a private salon room inside Flourish Positive Image Boutique, located on the first floor of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. 

Two stylists from Charlottesville’s Moxie Hair Lounge generously volunteer their time and talent to help patients look and feel their best, offering everything from haircuts to head shavings to wig styling and shaping. Stylists are available on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and patients can call 434.924.9333 to schedule an appointment. 

The impact has been immediate and profound. To date, 108 patients have participated in CareCuts, and many leave their appointments saying they have their identity back. It’s an appointment they truly look forward to. 

More Than a Boutique: Flourish Offers Healing Touchpoints 

CareCuts is just one of the many services available through  Flourish Positive Image Boutique, a UVA Health gift shop designed specifically for cancer patients. With locations inside both the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center and the UVA Breast Care Center, Flourish offers an array of items that support comfort, confidence, and healing, including: 

• Wigs, hats, and scarves
• Breast prostheses, shapers, and post-surgical bras/camisoles
• Mastectomy and lumpectomy bras
• Oncologist-approved skincare 
• Thoughtful gifts and books 

Flourish is staffed by compassionate professionals, including three board certified Mastectomy Fitters who work closely with patients to ensure the right fit and support during every stage of treatment and recovery. CareCuts wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the Flourish team: 

• Kate Ellwood, CMF 
• Christy Nichols, CMF 
• Ashley Weisenborn, CMF 

Kate has witnessed how much this work matters. “I’ve been lucky enough to hear first-hand from many of our patients how the services and products we provide at Flourish Boutique have positively impacted their day-to-day activities and allowed them to feel more like themselves,” she shares. 

For many patients, that feeling is more than just comfort — it’s healing. And thanks to programs like CareCuts, UVA Health is helping patients rediscover themselves with every step, snip, and smile.