The Women Behind The Bald Box
None of us expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. But within just a few months, all three of us found ourselves navigating treatment, uncertainty and, for Katie, hair loss.
Along the way, we realised that while the medical care we received was exceptional, practical support around wigs and hair loss could still feel overwhelming. That's why we created The Bald Box, to support women at the start of hair loss and help them feel prepared, informed and in control.
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JoJo's Story
In November 2022, I found a pea-sized lump in my left breast. My GP referred me to the Breast Care Unit, but the three week wait for my appointment felt endless. Having lost both of my parents to cancer, my mind went into overdrive. I didn't tell anyone at first because I didn't want to worry those I loved or perhaps because I didn't want to make it feel real.
At the appointment, an ultrasound showed a lump and I had a biopsy. It was 22nd November – our 20th wedding anniversary. Telling my husband, Tom, that evening was incredibly difficult, but also a relief. From then on, he was by my side at every appointment.
After further tests, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once we knew what we were dealing with, we told our two teenage boys. That was the hardest part of the whole experience. They both handled the news in their own way and made me incredibly proud.
I had surgery just before Christmas. At the time, I told very few people because I didn't want to spoil the festivities for friends and family. Looking back, I wish I'd shared it sooner. One of the biggest things I've learnt is to let people help you. The support of those around you can make such a difference.
A few weeks later, I learnt that I wouldn't need chemotherapy. Instead, I had five sessions of radiotherapy and started hormone therapy. Thankfully, radiotherapy was very manageable.
None of us could have imagined that we'd all be facing breast cancer within such a short space of time. We leaned on one another through the ups and downs, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had Jess and Katie by my side.
Today, my scans remain clear, for which I'm deeply grateful. The worry never disappears completely, but it has taught me to appreciate the people around me, look after my health and make the most of every day.
Jess's Story
In January 2024, my life changed with a simple text message from JoJo telling me about her breast cancer diagnosis. After reading her message, I checked my own breasts and found a lump.
Although neither my GP nor the hospital doctor initially thought it was anything serious, an ultrasound showed something more concerning. A biopsy confirmed that I had breast cancer. The wait for those results was, for me, the hardest part of the entire experience.
Just two weeks later, I had surgery, and shortly afterwards Katie rang to tell me she had also been diagnosed. None of us could have imagined that three close friends would find themselves facing breast cancer at almost the same time.
After surgery, I completed radiotherapy and started hormone therapy. Thankfully, my treatment went well, but what stayed with me most was the incredible kindness I experienced along the way.
On the day I received my diagnosis, I was given a thoughtful box from Little Lifts. At one of the most frightening moments of my life, it reminded me that I wasn't alone and that complete strangers cared. That feeling has stayed with me ever since.
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Katie's Story
In 2019, I found a lump in my left breast. After having it checked, I was reassured that it wasn't anything to worry about. I accepted that advice and carried on with life.
Five years later, after watching my mother-in-law face secondary breast cancer and hearing that both JoJo and Jess had been diagnosed, I realised I couldn't ignore the lump any longer. I booked another appointment and was referred for further tests.
I chose to attend my hospital appointment on my own. My husband was supporting his mother through her final months, and I didn't want to add to the worry until I knew more. After a mammogram and ultrasound, I was told it was likely to be breast cancer.
From that point on, everything moved very quickly. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Throughout it all, I received exceptional care from the team at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and I will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion they showed me.
I often call 2024 my "Year of Yes". I trusted the people looking after me completely and said yes to every treatment they recommended. But alongside the medical care, it was the love of my family, friends, and having JoJo and Jess walking a similar path, that gave me the strength to keep going.
My experience also reinforced something important: you know your own body better than anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and ask to be checked.
Why We Created The Bald Box
Cancer affects every woman differently. Some women lose their hair, some don't. Some choose to wear a wig every day, while others decide not to wear one at all. There is no right or wrong choice, only the one that's right for you.
The Bald Box was created to make hair loss feel a little less daunting, especially at a time when there is already so much to think about. Our products are modern carefully chosen items designed to support women at the start of hair loss.
More than anything, we want every woman to know that she has a choice. Whether you decide to wear a wig, wear it only occasionally, or not wear one at all, we want you to feel informed, supported and confident in whatever feels right for you.