Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Cathy D'Adamo opened Careda to meet the special needs of customers suffering hair loss due to chemotherapy and other medical treatments.

Wig shop caters to needs of patients with hair loss

By Suzy Ramirez

Hair loss from medically related causes such as chemotherapy can be very traumatic, and Careda, a wig boutique, is in business to meet the need for compassionate support when looking for the perfect wig.

Founded by Catherine D'Adamo, a registered nurse for 22 years, Careda opened in July and specializes in private consultations while providing a caring environment for people who have lost their hair. D'Adamo also owns "Wig N' Out," a hairpiece cart in Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara.

Genny O'Keefe, clinical adviser for the women's cancer unit at the Community Hospital at Los Gatos, stressed the difficulty of fitting for wigs due to medically related hair loss. "Cathy's wigs are well-designed and specifically suited to this kind of medical need," O'Keefe said.

A breast cancer survivor who expressed her concern over the lack of compassion and sensitivity, as well as privacy, regarding hair loss inspired D'Adamo.

"There is a self-consciousness involved for many as they begin to lose their hair," D'Adamo said. "A positive self-image is important to how you feel about yourself, and I realize this."

Careda specializes in and welcomes only clients suffering medically related hair loss.

The consultation takes place, free of charge and by appointment, in an inviting boutique setting with a variety of wigs on display in the next room. The more than 35 styles available come in 25 to 30 different shades. Once the client chooses a preferred style, fitting rooms are open to comfortably try on wigs in private.

The wigs are all user-friendly and can be styled and restyled to the wearer's liking.

Along with the full wigs, there are also scarves, turbans, hats, and hairpieces for those hot-weather days.

D'Adamo said she believes her experience as a registered nurse helps bring a certain amount of knowledge of the disease process and the effects of chemotherapy to the consultations, all important aspects to understanding someone who has lost their hair and vital to the recovery process.

Careda is in the Community Medical Center, 700 W. Parr Ave., Suite G. Hours are by appointment only, but very flexible, including evenings and weekends.

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