When someone is diagnosed with cancer and goes through chemotherapy, many wonder if, or when, they’ll lose their hair. Those men and women sometimes have just weeks to prepare for hair loss.

Indulge Salon in Kearney created Maxine’s Garden to give those battling hair loss a place to feel comfortable without their hair.

Owner, Cathie Hohnholt said the idea began when her mother, Maxine, passed away from cancer.

“When we had to shave her head because she was losing her hair, we had to do it in the kitchen. And I had been thinking about this, and then my sister died in March of cancer also and when that happened it reminded me that there’s no place for people to go,” said Hohnholt.

Hohnholt wanted a space for those battling hair loss that need a trim, a full shave or a wig styling where they can feel comfortable without their hair.

“It’s kind of horrifying I’ve found, for some people, to have their head shaved,” said Ianthe Shadegg.

Shadegg was diagnosed with breast cancer just last June. She underwent chemotherapy and lost her hair after two weeks. Shadegg said she was prepared to lose it.

“I thought there’s, you know, a lot worse things that you can lose so I wasn’t that worried about the hair… They say that more women are more worried about losing their hair than their breasts,” said Shadegg.

Hohnholt said anyone that comes in referred to them by the American Cancer Society receives free treatment at Maxine’s Garden.

Sara McCarty with the American Cancer Society said this room will help many patients after they’re fitted for wigs with ACS.

“We don’t style wigs there, we don’t do anything of the sort so we are able to refer these patients to someone and that’s this space here now,” said McCarty.

Maxine’s Garden is also taking in donations. They’re looking for new or gently used wigs, hats, scarves and bandannas. Those will go free to folks taking advantage of the space.

People can come in and donate during work hours and anyone is welcome to make an appointment or come check out Maxine’s Garden.