UPDATE 9:15am
Thank you for all the support, I think Sharon has heard the response loud and clear. I encourage everyone to stop emailing and/or calling her business. If you are new to the story I can assure you, they have already received enough emails, phone calls and complaints to last them a lifetime so please use your energy and time doing something positive instead. As hurtful as what they said to me was, I am over it. Patty's rude comment is already behind me and I am moving forward with the same positive attitude I always have. Our message has been heard, now let's all band together and do some good! Instead of sending them a nasty email or phone call, use your time doing something positive today, send an email to a friend that you know is having a hard time, drop a card off for an elderly person in your neighborhood saying you hope they are staying warm in this never ending winter, buy coffee for the car behind you at Starbucks, drop off a homemade meal for a family you know is struggling, just get out there and be a positive force today!
Wow.... where do I even begin.
Thank you for all the support, I think Sharon has heard the response loud and clear. I encourage everyone to stop emailing and/or calling her business. If you are new to the story I can assure you, they have already received enough emails, phone calls and complaints to last them a lifetime so please use your energy and time doing something positive instead. As hurtful as what they said to me was, I am over it. Patty's rude comment is already behind me and I am moving forward with the same positive attitude I always have. Our message has been heard, now let's all band together and do some good! Instead of sending them a nasty email or phone call, use your time doing something positive today, send an email to a friend that you know is having a hard time, drop a card off for an elderly person in your neighborhood saying you hope they are staying warm in this never ending winter, buy coffee for the car behind you at Starbucks, drop off a homemade meal for a family you know is struggling, just get out there and be a positive force today!
Wow.... where do I even begin.
First off I want to thank EVERYONE that shared my story, messaged me, emailed me, etc. The amount of support and encouragement I received in the last 24 hours has been unbelievable. I can't even express in words how thankful Jamie and I are to each and every one of you. I will hopefully get around to responding to messages tomorrow. Please forgive me if I don't respond to each and every one, you would not believe what my email and Facebook inbox look like. :)
I want to take a quick few minutes to address the madness that has taken place over my last blog post and then return back to what my blog is all about, simply sharing my journey as I battle my brain tumor and try to continue to enjoy my life as a stay at home mom to my two boys and wife to my amazing husband.
I really don't want to spend much time addressing the incident from yesterday because honestly, I have vowed to surround myself with positivity and I don't really have the time or energy to spend on stuff like this BUT for the record... Patty, the sales associate ABSOLUTELY yelled at me as we were almost out the door "good luck, I hope you loose ALL your hair", I know they are completely denying this but it absolutely happened. I would not have made this up, my blog simply journals my day to day journey as a mother of two battling a brain tumor. I have no need to make stuff up. I had no intentions of this huge backlash against Sharon's Salon, I simply shared my experience on my blog, I had no idea it would go viral. I have been OVERWHELMED by the response we have received but this was definitely not my intent. My little blog that reached an average of 1,200 viewers a day reached 482,000 in the last 24 hours!
To further prove my point that my intent was not to make this into a huge ordeal, channel 4, 6 and channel 58 tracked down my house this evening and came over to interview me. When they arrived I was not home. Jamie and I were actually at Children's Hospital with Jacob my 18 month old who was in the ER. He has had a 104 fever since Monday and completely stopped eating and drinking today. By chance, my sister in law Amy who was with me wig shopping was at my house watching Owen while we were at the hospital so they were able to interview HER for their news story. Talk about CRAZY; Jamie and I are at Children's and get a text letting us know that we have THREE news stations at our house! Anyways, we were discharged from the hospital around 7pm and some of the news people were still at our house waiting to interview me, I asked them to leave before we got home because I was not interested in doing an interview tonight as I needed to get Jacob and Owen to bed. I am not in this for publicity or to make some internet craziness.
I am simply a young mom trying to make it through each day. I have a TON of stress in my life right now. I am strong and happy one minute and curled up in a ball sobbing the next. My blog has been such a therapeutic thing for me. A place for me to share my feelings, my ups and downs for the day and I want to make sure it stays that way. Focused on my family, my battle and helping everyone focus on the positive stuff in life. I don't want my blog to be brought down by this one stupid incident at a wig shop. They were terrible to me. We have made our point, I believe Sharon had a terrible day today now let's move forward. I am over it, Patty certainly said an AWFUL thing to me but you know what.... through this I learned I have people ALL over the country rooting for me. I have so many people in my corner, so much love and support coming at me. I feel like this brain tumor doesn't have a chance! I am officially done with my first week of radiation and I feel like with the support of everyone around me I will just rock the next 5 weeks!
There is way to much good stuff going on everyday to dwell too long on the bad. They always say that word of mouth regarding negative experiences travels so much farther and faster than good experiences. Why is that? We all spent so much time today dealing with a negative experience (which by the way I THANK you for standing beside me in regards to that) how about tomorrow we all pass on word of mouth of a good experience. I will start with a small list below of people that have really provided amazing customer service to me in the last few days:
1. Natalie, Angie and Braden - this isn't really customer service but these are the three amazing people that do my radiation every day. They always have big smiles for me and are so positive and make my 10 minute radiation treatment as fun as it can be, even with my tight mask and waffle print face.
2. The Waxwing
4415 N Oakland Ave | Shorewood, WI
The Waxwing is an amazing artist consignment shop featuring over 90 local artists. They donated 10% of their sales from their event tonight to my medical fund. AMAZING! Thank you SO much Waxwing!
3. Robert Laurence Salon
4060 N Oakland Ave | Shorewood, WI
This was the first place we visited yesterday on our wig shopping trip. Sandy that worked there was extremely helpful, allowed us to look through tons of catalogs, didn't rush us and I received a call today from Kevin the owner that they will be ordering the wig I had selected and providing it to me free of charge.
4.Whitney Hair and Wellness
421 S. Yellowstone Drive |Madison, WI
Lindsey from Whitney Hair and Wellness stalked my down through Facebook :) after hearing my experience and has offered to provide me with a real hair wig at no cost.
5.Christine Plamann Photography
207 E Buffalo St |Milwaukee, WI
Christine did some amazing family photos for us last week. She actually just emailed me a few more edited ones tonight! I am so excited to be able to share these with you! She was so great to work with and I highly recommend her.
Christine did some amazing family photos for us last week. She actually just emailed me a few more edited ones tonight! I am so excited to be able to share these with you! She was so great to work with and I highly recommend her.
Alright, it has been a LONG day. I need to get in bed. Hoping Jacob sleeps tonight and hoping he is on the mends tomorrow. He has been so sick all week. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
Thanks again for all the support!
with you all in my pocket
I GOT THIS!
Hugs to you Alison! Wishing a restful night and a uneventful tomorrow :) Love you!!
ReplyDeleteI love your amazing attitude!! Keep it up and I'll be praying for you and your amazing family!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face after reading this. You are obviously SUCH a good person to handle this incident the way you have and not lose sight of what is truly important. Along with everyone else, I have been extremely outraged over how you were treated. But you have taken their cold, horrible actions and turned it into a lesson of LOVE for us all. I wish I could meet you and give you the biggest hug and thank you for being such an amazing example and getting everyone back on track to where our hearts and minds should be. I have three small children...as I read this I could only think that I want to be as wonderful as an example and mother to them, as you are to your children.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a clue who you are, nor does that matter. What I would like to say to you & your amazing family is this: your blog has touched peoples hearts. By sharing positive real emotions you have delivered hope to the hopelessness of some peoples lives. I realize this wasn't something you planned, but by allowing people to enter your world via blogging, you are spreading joy. Thank you & may the lord be with you & your family.
ReplyDeleteAs a hairdresser for 16 years, I just wanted to let you know why I shared your story. Losing hair is a sign that the cancer has control. Losing hair is about losing control. It is one of the most definable moments that the cancer inside of them is real. I applaud you for sharing your experience. The only way to inform is to speak. And you did that. I have unfortunately seen clients going through this and one of the best ways to take control is to shave their own head. This is often and emotional moment of empowerment. But most do not take this step until they have a wig picked out. I am so sorry that this was your experience. This was your moment to take control and no one should be treated like that. You spoke and it was heard. I wish you all the love and peace and the determination to keep your positive attitude and kick this cancers ASS!
ReplyDeleteYour positivity is so inspiring! My Mom had cancer when I was in Jr. High, even through it all I remember my parents being positive about our lives and experiences. I think seeing them during the hardest time of our life as a family still smiling has helped me greatly even now as a Mother myself. My family will be praying for you and your family. You are an amazing strong woman and just by the few posts I have read I've got to agree, YOU GOT THIS! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog since the beginning because I am a new Sunbeam Kids member. If you need anything, help with driving or anything, please feel free to let me know, I am happy to help! My name is Katie Wick and you can find me through the Sunbeam Kids FB page.
ReplyDeleteread your blog and was so sadden by this. praying that you and your son do well. also so glad now that the news media got hold of this story. this woman should not be in bossiness. she has been rude to others from what was read.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you. You don't know me, but yes, you've gone viral and that's how I found your blog. I have 2 daughters and can't imagine having to go through what you're going through, and keeping sane on top of it. You are an inspiration...you have an amazing spirit and that is going to help you fight that stupid tumor! <3
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes, you are extremely strong and you are speaking from the heart! You and your family will be in my prayers! Do the interviews with the news, what you are going through is a lot and I'm sure they can help you out a lot.
ReplyDeleteYou are very inspirational and positive. I pray good people continue to bless you when others try to knock you down. Way to be a ray of sunshine on the cloudy days. I will continue to follow your journey because you help me want be a better mom and wife.
ReplyDeleteAlison, I have just started reading your blog & when I read your blog I am filled with different emotions as I am sure you are while writing it. You are correct you need to stay positive and it seems like you are doing just that. I commend you for not letting that one incidence bring you down (Sharon's), it appears to have made you stronger! You will encounter many people who are not empathetic to anything, but just look at what this one incidence has done for you & others. By this I am referring to the wig salons who are empathetic and wanted to add a little sunshine to your journey offering to order the wig of your choice POSITIVELY ALISON! It is not possible to go through something like this and not have bad days when you curl up into a ball, but I think you are doing an amazing job of working through so many different issues at one time. I seriously felt a bit tired after just reading your blog, you have so much going on in your life right now but it seems like you have an awesome support system. I wish you all the luck in the world and will continue to read your blog. Kick this tumors a$$! PS I can see your icons on the right.
ReplyDelete"People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?" -Nhat Hanh
ReplyDeleteSending prayers of healing and positive thoughts to you and your whole family.
Glad I wasn't the only person disturbed by your blog post. While the "hope your hair. .." comment got the attention; the "people like you" comment has yet to be denied by Sharon. So, this "salon" judges you when you walk in the door? I wonder if they have a selection of wigs that cater to other ethnicities, races, religions, sexes, ect? Cancer does not discriminate, Sharons wig salon apparently does.
ReplyDeleteAlison, you are an inspiration!! Incredible strength and posture!! You and your family will be in my prayers. "And we know that to them that love God, all things work together for good, according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 God bless you! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had to go through that. And they say that young children or teenagers have disrespect for older ppl, well I believe that is wrong cause my children would never act that way or speak to anyone like that n these older ppl have slot of growing up to do. BEST WISHES TO YOU ON YOUR RECOVERY!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAllison I am sure that many of us women feel like we could be your mom and want to head right over to Sharons to shake someone and of course we don't cause that is not important now. What is, Is that beautiful family picture you posted with those four beautiful faces who have so much love and fight in them. God bless you and yours. You have touched my world and thousands of others. I will always pray for you. :)
ReplyDeleteYou handled this with the utmost class. You ARE an inspiration to many. Many many prayers are being said for your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteYou handled this with the utmost class. You ARE an inspiration to many. Many many prayers are being said for your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteI shared your Story yesterday with as many people as I could because I could not imagine how I would have felt if someone treated one of my family members like that while they were going through the same struggle. My aunt passed away after fighting her brain cancer from 1993 through 2010. I remember seeing her many wigs. She had a smile that could light up a room, and your positivity reminded me of that. I hope the future is bright amd beautiful for you and your family. You are not alone.
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful young woman and you are articulate in your writings. I wish you well and hold your head high. You will overcome. You are an inspiration to many women.
ReplyDeleteDear Alison, It saddens me to hear of your experience at Sharon’s, because I had a similar experience myself. I have breast cancer and am currently undergoing chemo. A friend of mine told me to see David at Sharon’s. My husband, sister and best friend went to Sharon’s, but David was not working and we encountered a female employee with dark hair (approximately in her 60s). She told us her name, but I don’t recall. She mentioned that she had been through cancer/chemo twice and seemed to be understanding. She then left us to try on wigs. When we decided upon a wig, she gave us color swatches to look at and, that is when things got ugly. We took a few wigs and the color swatches to the front of the store to see them in more natural light. We took several of the swatches off of the ring and when the employee saw what we had done, she snatched the rings from my husband and reprimanded us for taking the swatches off. I apologized and offered to put them back in the proper order, but it was obvious she was upset. We called several days later to find out if the wig came in the colors we had chosen, but were told it was not available and that I would need to come back in. I was so defeated and disheartened when I left Sharon’s that I knew I would rather wear hats, scarves, etc. than return to Sharon’s. I’m happy to say that we went to Robert Laurence and Kevin was a true professional who treated me/us with compassion and respect. My heart goes out to you and your family and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Jill Goehrig
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family, now and always.
ReplyDeleteRobert Laurence Salon whoohoo and Whitneys Wellness Salon for stepping forward!!
ReplyDeleteI shared your story as well. Seems now a days bullies get away with this too often.
Be Well Dear :)
Beautiful message and such an empowering outlook to beat this tumor!!! I believe you will succeed! I will do something positive for someone today with you in mind!!! I hope your little guy is on the mend today and is the happy and healthy little boy he's meant to be. I also wish you nothing but the best!!! I commend you for writing your blog and telling your story and I hope it eases the pain of this horrible tumor!!! Good Luck and I look forward to following your journey and hearing the tumor is gone one day soon!!
ReplyDeleteHugs and Prayers to all :):):)
ReplyDeleteBravo to you for staying positive. Your point has been well made. Take care of yourself and your family now. Positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRobert Laurence Salon whoohoo and Whitneys Wellness Salon for stepping forward!!
ReplyDeleteI shared your story as well. Seems now a days bullies get away with this too often.
Be Well Dear :)
Thanks for being so honest and real in your blog Alison. You are touching so many people and your positive spin on challenging situations truly shows your beautiful character. Know that you are in my heart and prayers! Love and Hugs!
ReplyDeleteIf you have never seen this, it is well worth your time. God bless you on our journey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVdChvTyGZI
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly "got this". Your positive attitude and focus on all the good will go a long way in your road to recovery! Wishing you strength, hope & courage to fight the fight.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is currently doing chemo five days a week every third week. This is probably been around the fourth time she's done this over the six years she's battled cancer among many other surgeries and radiation treatments. I know how my mom gets every time I have to shave her head for her. Its tough, she cries and gets down. Its bad enough to have to wear those wigs but to go thru what you did just makes it worse. I give you so much credit for being the better person in all this. Most people would not be that strong. Please keep the great attitude and God bless you and your family in your battle with cancer. Good luck
ReplyDeleteHi, Allison! My name is Andrea. I live in Illinois, right over the border of Wisconsin. (Just within a couple miles of Great America) I do not have cancer (as of yet) but I do understand your struggle, especially as a mom & a wife... wanting to do everything for your family as you once did but unable to accomplish what you once easily did. I have a Recurrent Optic Nerve Glioma (it is in my head, inches from my brain). It is my second tumor (first one was removed by a Crainotomy and it left me completely blind in my right eye) & it is inoperable at this present time. Even though it isnt exactly the same as you... I have gone through many treatments, one which was radiation, including gamaknife. Gliomas usually turn cancerous over time. Right now it is a slow growing benign tumor but the fear of not knowing when it will convert from benign to malignant scares me... so much so that i have refused MRI's to avoid knowing. Reading your blog has comforted me, made me realize I'm stronger than this & has made me reconsider getting the MRI. Which I have decided that I will call & schedule it first thing on Monday morning. You are very lucky to be surrounded by people who support and wanting/willing to help you. I unfortunately do not have that kind of support or help. However, today, I found your blog, via a friends post of FB regarding your experience at that horrific wig shop, and all of a sudden I feel like I have support through your blog & I realized that no matter what, using your words "I GOT THIS." Even though you do not know me, if you need to talk about the internal & emotional struggle of the change of your normal life & everything that comes with it... I am here. Good Luck, Allison. You, your hubs & your beautiful children are in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeletePS: Thank You!
Real life INSPIRATION .... You definitely GOT THIS!! Thanks for passing it on!!
ReplyDeleteLove you girl, You Got This. Hope Jacob gets over the flu quickly and life can return to somewhat normal. In your pocket.
ReplyDeleteLove your feisty spirit! Praying for you and your family. As for the wig shop, God will take care of them, you just take care of you. Much love to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAlison, My doctor, Kevin Connors, in Mpls is amazing. Go to www.upperroomwellness.com to download his book on alternative cancer treatments for free. There is a ton of info on his website. Sending good wishes and healing to your family.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly a beautiful person. With an amazing spirit. Keep strong. That is what will get you through everything. My mom battled cancer very bravely. You do have this. <3
ReplyDeleteMy daughter told me about your experience and I was outraged thinking anyone would treat someone like that. I hope you know you have so much support of friends and family and also those who follow your blog. Going through something like cancer puts life in perspective in what's important. You've handled yourself with such grace, I'm not sure I would have done the same. I hope you know you have so much support. Praying for you and your family that God gives you the strength you need to go through each day. Hope your little one is doing better. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you do "have it". I did, too! Just so you know, you are not alone. Go to the Froedtert cancer center and you will see young children going through the same as you. Point is that you need to have a positive attitude and it seems you do. You have a family and oftentimes that is one of the reasons that you know you have to "get it". Regarding Sharon's, the person that served you should definitely be explored and perhaps the Manager of Sharon's did that. I went to Sharon's in 2007 and I was treated with the utmost respect. I purchased a wig there and they even shaved the rest of my head for me and trimmed the wig to be near what I previously had. I wonder why you had such a big blog about your" journey" and then blasted Sharon's right in that same blog. My question is did you take it up with the Manager separately? I would think that is the way to approach dissatisfaction. Neither here nor there, I applaud you as would others. I hope things turn out for you, also, as they did for me. So far that is. I went through much chemotherapy, surgery, and 33 radiation treatments. I, too, had that "mesh face guard", but radiation is serious (laser beams) and keeping your face still as well as your body is important. You might need to go to a support group at the hospital; they can refer you to one.
ReplyDeleteI am so incredibly impressed by your courage. You don't know me and I don't know you but a stranger once helped me out and I would like to pay that forward if I can. I am a local Milwaukee runner and run races for various causes. If you accept, I am running another half marathon in May and would like to gift your family any donations raised by me...to be used on whatever you choose - a day at a spa, bills, whatever. You're incredibly inspiring and your blog reminds us that we can do anything - you can email me. At 1unlikelyrunner@gmail.com or via my site, http://1unlikelyrunner.com. Best, Amy
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I love reading about great people like yourself. All of the miles of training of training will absolutely be so rewarding for you!
DeleteYou truly are an inspiration with your strengh and courage. Thank you for sharing your story. May God bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYou truly are an inspiration with your strengh and courage. Thank you for sharing your story. May God bless you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI will pray for you and your family, and hope to see pictures of you modeling your new wig. Cancer has taken some of my loved ones and I think to maintain a positive if the face of all the negatives is one way to fight it. You're totally right : YOU'VE GOT THIS!
ReplyDeleteAlison-I came to read your blog through mutual friends..you are such an inspiration! Keep that positive attitude and the power of prayer will see you through! I went to McDonald's today-i paid for the order in the car behind us...I told the lady at the window it was in honor of you and they should pay in forward in your honor as well some day in their own way! God Bless and fast healing!
ReplyDeleteSo impressed with your ability to take the high road and spread positivity. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your precious family!
ReplyDeleteI have never met you, but you have inspired myself and from the look of this blog many others. What we've learned is that one person does have the power to change things. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of 3 young children who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I empathize with your situation. Unfortunately, cancer is a very long journey. Try to take it day by day and I pray for your positive strength to sustain you through this evil disease. Keep fighting and do not be afraid to ask your support system for help.
ReplyDeleteMy wife, Emily, is a survivor of stage three breast cancer. While going through chemotherapy she got her wig at Sharon's and only purchased it because she felt obligated having ordered it ahead of time. She said they treated her horribly and she wouldn't recommend anyone go there let alone a cancer patient. I know that Emily only went there because the cancer treatment center at Waukesha Memorial Hospital recommended them. She is hoping these recommendations stop and is very proud of you for calling them out. Nicely done! -Tim
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and sunshine (no snow!) from Watertown, WI
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing and strong woman!! To go through everyday what you go through and to remain so positive is amazing! You are truly an inspiration and I am praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAlison - I love your positive outlook - I only wish all of the wonderful and generous love & gifts you have received had gone viral instead! Oh the world we live in! Thank you for your blog, your sunny disposition & sharing your story. I hope this brief moment of craziness doesn't deter you from continuing ♡
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you had that awful experience at Sharon's and happy to read that you are over it and moving on. Who needs all the negativity swirling around, right? I bought a wig from there two years ago, and while we could tell they catered toward older ladies, they were helpful and considerate. It seems you have a positive attitude and that will get you thru this. I was diagnosed with cancer (sarcoma in pulmonary artery and heart) in 2012, had 2 heart surgeries and chemo. Also had a brain tumor removed, which turned out to be much smaller than yours and benign. (Sounds like yours might be benign too?) I had the same seizure meds and lovely staples. The cancer came back last summer and also metastasized to my lung, so I had my lung removed and just finished 30 radiation treatments at Froedtert's Cancer center with the same "LINAC #3" team that you had you are right, they are amazing! Chemo starts again in two weeks, but I'm ready for it. Being bald is not bad, I just don't want to lose my nails! I'm in my 40s and a mom to a teenager, and I plan to be around for a long time. It sounds like you have an amazing support team. I wish you all the best as you kick this tumor's butt. You've got this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! You are a strong person and I wish all the best for you and your family. I hope little Jacob starts feeling better soon! I have a Jacob too:)
ReplyDeleteCrazy amount of view girl! I'm a fellow blogger from Wauwatosa and have been keeping up w your story like the rest of the city/country. I admire you positive attitude and reinforcement despite what you are going through and the horrid experience. Praying that God continues to surround you and your family with peace and comfort during this season...
ReplyDeleteYour strength and courage is amazing and inspiring. Good luck and God Bless you and yours.
ReplyDeleteDearest Alison,no one who reads your blog or is touched by your strength,character and soulful wisdom,can ever be the same.They say that which does not kill you makes you stronger.How strong you already are..and how you have touched and moved and inspired people!Am so humbled They say we are here for a reason,besides your lucky sons and husband,family and friends who know you..we strangers get to be blessed by your beauty,resilience and power/a;; the best to you!
ReplyDeleteYou are a amazing person, and you have inspired me to make each and everyday count no matter what life brings my way. Thank you, I wish you all the best in your journey to come may
ReplyDeletegod bless you!
I pray for you and your family, but that's no reason for you to bash a salon that tried to help you. You lost it girl!
ReplyDelete