Honorable Mentions

          All Little Girls Should feel like a Princess

Holly Christensen, a former Oncology nurse, knows all too well the devastating feeling that innocent children go through after losing their hair from cancer. After her friend's daughter was diagnosed and treated for lymphoma, she created themagicyarnproject.com, which stitches together and donates head coverings inspired by Disney princesses. The kids love them. Not only do they protect their scalp, but the wigs bring joy and playfulness back into the child's life, even if it is just for a few hours. 

 

There are other Disney princess wigs on sale; many children with cancer can’t use them. Their scalps are often too sensitive for standard wigs. Magic Yarn volunteers use extra-soft “baby yarn” to make sure their scalps don’t get irritated.

"It has been absolutely touching to witness the little girls receive their wigs and see a little magic and sparkle come into their lives during such a hard time. It has also been equally touching to hear from individuals around the globe who want to put on their own workshops in their communities to make these wigs or who are even willing to donate money so we can purchase yarn," Christensen said.

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            Welcome Back Home

The Easton home in Pennsylvania has turned several rooms in their senior living facility into “memory support” areas-to help residents with dementia strengthen their memory muscles and stimulate conversation.

From the antique cast-iron stove in the kitchen to the ancient wood-paneled radio in the living room, the decor in The Easton Home comes straight out of the 1930s, '40s and '50s.

"As soon as they walk in, they become comfortable ... and it just takes them back to a place that they're familiar with," said Jennifer Woolley, community life coordinator. "They can talk about their stories and share their experiences, so you're just walking into the past, and they love it.”

They also have activity rooms and a barber and beauty salon.  

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