Twelve years ago, Margaret Potter shaved her head for the first time.
Potter, an oncology nurse for the better part of the past 33 years, took the plunge during a fundraiser as a way to identify with her patients — particularly her female patients.
Now, Potter, who works at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, shaves her head each spring to continue to identify with her patients and to educate others.
“I just can’t stop, because I do see the impact it has,” Potter said. “Not just with the patients, but when I do get to speak with people out in public about why I’m doing it and what my patients go through — that’s the whole reason I do it.”
This year, Potter raised $11,000 for shaving her head
- Potter participated in the American Cancer Society’s Shave to Save fundraiser.
- This fundraiser was to benefit Hope Lodge in Kansas City, Missouri, which offers cancer patients a “home away from home,” Potter said.
- Cancer patients who are in treatment can stay at Hope Lodge for free, she said.
Potter shaves her head to show cancer patients support
- She hopes shaving her head shows the cancer patients she works with that they are not alone.
- Potter said it can be more difficult for women because of the social stigma around baldness.
- Still, Potter said she wants her cancer patients to wear their baldness proudly because when she looks at those who have lost their hair, she sees strength and beauty.
- “I want [our cancer patients] to see that I see them as so beautiful, and I just see their strength and courage,” Potter said. “That baldness shows all of that and I want [our cancer patients] to feel that from us.”
She decided to go into oncology during nursing school
- One night, Potter was working a late shift as a nursing assistant on a floor with oncology patients.
- A cancer patient called Potter into the room that night and appreciated Potter’s straightforward responsiveness in meeting her simple request.
- Still, the patient questioned why Potter wanted to work with the “depressing patients” when Potter was “so full of life.”
- “That struck me as so odd because she was so appreciative of me acknowledging her request and taking care of what she needed, and I thought, gosh, you have no idea because I listen to you and you have so much to teach me,” Potter said.
- From that moment on, she knew oncology was meant for her.
Potter can relate to families whose loved ones have cancer
- Potter’s mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and lost her battle eight years later.
- She said she is able to share with families that, yes, she sees cancer every day as a nurse — “but [she’s] also been there as a daughter.”
- Potter said she hopes that helps children of cancer patients feel a connection and know she is understanding.
- “It’s a horrible thing to have that understanding, but you know, hopefully I can help somebody else with what I went through,” Potter said.
Other recent news: New AdventHealth Cancer Center hits halfway mark on $76M construction
