United Methodist Offers Nationwide Cancer Ministry

You may know her voice. Bonny Diver Hall has been a radio personality in the Pittsburgh market for over 20 years on such stations as 3WS and KDKA, The member of Ingomar UMC is a survivor. Bonny battled breast cancer in 2003. She came out of the experience a changed person. She saw challenges and needs for women dealing with breast cancer and decided, with the help of her doctor, to make a difference. Bonny created Hair Peace Charities.

"I want to be a resource to breast cancer patients who are looking for support groups and provide them with someone to call that's been down the same road," she said. Making decisions based on "faith not fear" was key for her peace. She now ministers to women in the Pittsburgh area and far beyond.

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments often rob a cancer patient of energy, financial stability and dignity. Hair loss is more than a side affect or an issue of vanity. It is a constant reminder to a patient of the realities and consequences of cancer. Feelings of isolation, self doubt and depression can result. 

Hair Peace, through fundraisers, sponsors and contributions, funds quality human hair wigs for women battling cancer. But Hair Peace does not stop at wigs. A variety of efforts provide support and care through resources, tips, prayer, and support to dealing with Breast cancer.

  • Prayer quilts, created by United Methodists and others, warm the spirit and offer an embrace of love.
  • Prayer list for volunteers to send cards of encouragement to cancer patients and survivors.
  • Support groups highlight treatments and help to fight isolation and depression.
  • The website [www.hairpeace.org] offers tips and links that help cancer patients find healthy living information and assistance.  An online calendar lists news, support opportunities, and fundraisers.
  • Monthly Empowerment Circles for dialogue and sharing resources. Prayer, communion and even a massage are often shared with participants.
  • Hair Peace volunteers, many of whom are youth and children, visit patients and plant flowers at their homes to yeild a reminder of spring renewal and rebirth. 

Cancer patients as far away as Texas, North Carolina and California are part of the Hair Peace network. Sponsors and contributors span the world, too.

Click here to watch a KDKA-TV Pittsburgh interview of Hall about Hair Peace. 

To learn more, visit www.hairpeace.org or contact Bonny at 412-327-5177. Make a donation in memory of someone you lost or in honor of someone who has won the battle. Please send donations to Hair Peace at: 102 Cleveland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202.