Twenty-three years ago, Bonny Diver fell from her horse — and made a discovery that changed far more than her own life.

Diver, then 46, noticed a lump along the side of her breast after the fall. Testing confirmed that she had breast cancer. She underwent treatment for a year, confronting not only the illness, but the many ways cancer can strip away a woman’s sense of normalcy.

One of those losses was her hair.

Following her treatment, Diver’s doctor suggested that the local iHeartRadio personality use her public profile to help make wigs available to women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment. Insurance often does not cover the cost, adding a heavy financial burden alongside copayments, deductibles and lost income.

With help from her church, Diver founded Hair Peace Charities in 2004.

The nonprofit initially assisted women with breast cancer, but expanded its mission as women with other cancers sought help. It now assists about 500 women and girls in Western Pennsylvania each year.

Hair Peace provides $300 toward the cost of a wig, paid directly to the recipient’s chosen salon. Diver personally speaks with each caller, offering information, guidance and reassurance while helping her find a salon experienced in medically-related hair loss.

She said a wig can restore part of what cancer has taken, including confidence, privacy and a sense of identity.

“It helps to disguise cancer, so people don’t see cancer — they see you,” Diver said.

Today’s more natural-looking, stylish and realistic wigs make that easier than ever.

Laurin Scanlon, program manager with the Integrative Oncology Division of AHN, said wigs have improved significantly in appearance and construction in recent years.

“Wigs aren’t stitched the same way that they were years ago,” Scanlon said.

Modern options include lace-front and handmade wigs rather than only the machine-sewn styles commonly available in the past. The changes create a more natural appearance and allow better airflow, she said.

Color choices also have improved, Scanlon said. Wigs are now available with highlights and natural-looking roots rather than a single, flat color.

The division offers in-person wig services at eight locations in Western Pennsylvania, as well as a virtual salon. The virtual option eliminates travel for patients who are too ill to leave home or have difficulty arranging transportation.

The program provides free, salon-grade wigs and care supplies to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, regardless of where the person receives treatment.

Diver recommends shopping for a wig before beginning chemotherapy, when possible, so a salon professional can see the person’s usual hairstyle and color. She also advises taking a trusted friend or relative who will offer an honest opinion.

“Nobody wants to shop for a wig,” Diver said. “I know how to shop for shoes. I don’t know how to shop for a wig.”

But finding the right one can mark a turning point.

In an AHN Cancer Institute testimonial, one patient, Mary, said “her wig looked as if it had been made for her.”

“I cannot thank you enough. You saved me. Perfect color. Perfect style. Unbelievable. It gives me so much confidence. I wore it home, and it felt right. It looks like it was made for me.”

Diver remembers hearing from the sister of one recipient that, after receiving her wig, the woman put on lipstick for the first time since beginning treatment and wanted to go out to dinner.

“She wanted to go out,” Diver said. “The confidence comes in.”

For more information contact:

— Bonny Diver at Hair Peace Charities at 412-327-5177.

— Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute Wig Program: 412-330-4045