CLAYTON, Mo. — A one-of-a-kind woman has spent nine years cutting cancer patients' hair for free.
Jeanny Barbata, a seasoned hair stylist, volunteers at the Hope Lodge where she offers free haircuts to patients and their caretakers. Her journey of giving back began when cancer touched her family, inspiring a mission to share the transformative power of a fresh start.
"I know that I can make them happy for one day because while they are here they don't get a lot of happiness," Barbata said. "If I can do that, it's worth it."
Barbata works at David's in Clayton Salon. Since 2014, she has packed her shears and journeyed to the Hope Lodge once a month.
"A lot of them are losing their hair and say what do I do or what can I do," Barbata said. "I also do wigs, so if they have a wig I can help them with that. That's always a joy for the patients because, for many of them, this is a first-time thing. They don't know what to do."
Hope Lodge is a hotel for cancer patients," said Caleb Kirksey, the assistant manager of Hope Lodge. "Our guests come from all over the world, so Hope Lodge is simply a home away from home for cancer patients. They are coming to St. Louis for cancer treatments. We house them and take away any costs they may have."
For nearly a decade she has touched the lives of those walking through a difficult diagnosis. Barbata was forced to stop visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with all volunteers to protect patients.
"I just kept calling and bugging the Director," Barbata said. "Can I come back yet?"
Her presence has always been noteworthy and hassle-free.
"Guests love it when she comes," Kirksey said. "The spots fill up quickly."
Rylee Williams, an 18-year-old caretaker from Moberly, Missouri, experienced firsthand the therapeutic escape a simple haircut can provide.
"It kind of makes you forget a little bit. You feel, well, for someone with that kind of disease, you would feel normal for once," she said.
Spencer Williams, Rylee's father, who recently received the news of being cancer-free, expressed his gratitude, saying, "It just goes to show that people are still kind, you know, people are nice."
Barbata demonstrates compassion and generosity when she visits and, gets to know whoever sits in her chair.
"It just brings me joy. It really does," said Barbata. "I had to keep coming back, it affects so many people I know. I just can't stop. I feel like I need to be here."
A haircut in Barbata's chair is not just a new look; it's a glimpse of hope for a new beginning.
Making a Difference
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