While Hope’s Boutique has had to close its doors to visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shop’s staff are providing expertise over the phone while its online store continues to offer 24/7 access to apparel, a variety of cancer awareness ribbon items and other specialty products for cancer patients. “We represent the new normal for these women, and the new normal has taken on a whole different meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says longtime Hope’s manager Kathi Robbins. “But we’re still here every day to answer questions on the phone and help women navigate their new lives. Call us with any questions you might have (614-293-9393) — we’re here to help.” Fittings on hold Scheduled fittings for wigs, bras and prostheses — the silicon forms that fit into the pockets of the bras — have been put on hold while the store’s physical location at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is closed to visitors. “We want to protect the safety of our patients and our staff, as fittings are a very hands-on process,” Robbins says. These measures can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 for cancer patients, who can be more susceptible to infection due to being immunocompromised. “We are scheduling appointments starting May 11, but we’re monitoring the situation,” Robbins says. “We’ll call patients and let them know if we’re pushing back the date or if we’re able to move it up.” Bras and prostheses “Women who have gotten a prescription for a bra within the past year can order them as long as they still want the same size and style,” Robbins says. “We’ll bill the insurance company directly just like we would normally do.” Bras can also be purchased via self-pay on credit cards, and Hope’s Boutique offers a 25 percent discount. James patients whose bra and prosthetic prescriptions are more than a year old can contact their oncologists for new prescriptions. “Their doctor can then fax their prescription to us at 614-293-9390,” Robbins says. Wigs and head coverings While patients can’t order new wigs without fittings, Hope’s Boutique has a full line of hats and partial head coverings, also known as toppers. “This hairpiece is worn over your head with a cross-over elasticized band,” Robbins says. “The partial head cover is easy to slip under your favorite hat or scarf. Although colors are more limited than with our wig selection, this is a good alternative until the boutique is open again for wig-fitting appointments.” Staff on call Robbins continues to work full days at the boutique, answering calls and shipping out products ordered online or over the phone. A second employee is in the boutique daily to assist with boutique operations, while the remainder of the staff have been dispersed throughout the Spielman Center and The James. “Our staff has been assembling COVID-19 test kits and filling supply orders for the hospitals,” Robbins says. “It’s a real team environment, and whatever we need to do to help our patients and our doctors, nurses and staff, we’ll do — safely.” Visit the Hope’s Boutique online store for hats, wig accessories and other items designed to help women who have or had cancer look and feel their best. Get comprehensive information on COVID-19 and cancer — including important information and tips on nutrition, exercise and risk reduction — from OSUCCC – James experts.