Firstly …PLEASE IGNORE ANY EMAILS ASKING FOR MONEY TO HELP THIS PETITION. NO MONEY IS REQUIRED! Just your signature x thank you all so so much!!

As the daughter of a cancer patient, I have seen the struggles mam went through. More than the physical discomfort, there is an emotional burden carried by cancer patients and their loved ones. In Ireland, the HSE provides a €500 wig grant to cancer patients, which in theory should alleviate some of the financial strain faced by them. However, this grant is currently allocated directly to local hairdressers, rather than the patients themselves. This practice forces the patients, into a corner, leaving them with little to no choice of where to get their wigs from. Often, due to the restricted selection and quality control, they end up paying far more than they should, which can add to their stress and financial strain.

Around 20,000 Irish people get diagnosed with some form of cancer each year (Irish Cancer Society). A large percentage of these patients will undergo therapy like chemotherapy, which can lead to hair loss and hence may require a wig. Allocating this grant directly to patients instead of hairdressers would offer sufferers a broader choice, allow them to shop around for better deals, and ensure that they the most out of this much-needed support.

I urge the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health to reconsider this procedure. Our fight against cancer is hard enough. They should not have to fight for fair access to support as well. It's time to treat patients with the dignity and respect we deserve by allocating the €500 wig grant straight to you, the patients. Please, sign this petition to support our cause.

PLEASE IGNORE ANY EMAILS ASKING FOR MONEY TO HELP THIS PETITION. NO MONEY IS REQUIRED! Just your signature x thank you all so so much!!