Tina’s Treasure’s can bring a little light, relief and joy into their lives.

"Overwhelmed with happiness"
by LeeAnn Sharpe

SCOTTSDALE–A diagnosis of breast cancer can be about the most traumatic event many women will ever face. For those women, Helaine Markowitz and the staff at Tina’s Treasure’s can bring a little light, relief and joy into their lives.

A cosmetologist wig stylist and certified prosthetic fitter, Markowitz works daily with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Tina’s Treasures is a specialized boutique catering to cancer patients in the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare. Named after survivor Tina Johnson, Tina’s Treasures Boutiques, at both Osborn and Shea Scottsdale Healthcare campuses, offer specialized shopping for cancer patients, survivors and their families.

“Recently a woman who had never been properly fitted came in and was overwhelmed with happiness when she realized how good she looked and felt in a properly fitted bra,” said Markowitz. “And many women don’t realize how comfortable they can be in mastectomy swimwear. It makes all the difference.”

“Just learning how to wrap a scarf correctly really can help,” Markowitz said.Certified professionals at the boutique help to fit breast prosthetics, bras, camisoles, mastectomy swimwear, wigs, hairpieces, hats, scarves, turbans, sleep hats, sun protective clothing, and lymphedema products. The boutiques also carry specialized products to assist with dry mouth care, nutritional supplements, aromatherapy, bath and body products, relaxation CDs, books, journals, jewelry, gift items and inspirational cards.

Women who have undergone lumpectomies and breast reconstruction require transitional bras and those bras need to be fitted, she said.“They need to wear a prosthesis and they need a new bra about every four to five months because they wear out faster than a regular bra. If it’s not fitted right they will be very uncomfortable. They will get back pain and their shoulders stoop if not fitted right. Most insurance will cover their prosthesis and bras.”

The boutique provides wigs for those who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy as well.

“We also do synthetic wigs. You get a wig for the short term. Your hair will grow back. Looking good is important for psychological recovery. Dealing with the cancer and treatment is bad enough. Put on a wig and some make‑up so you feel better about how you look,” she said.

The boutique donates some of its profits to the center’s patient assistance fund to help those who are uninsured or do not have the money for wigs, bras and prosthetics, said Bonnie Skochinski, coordinator for the boutique.

She said the boutique donates over $10,000 each year to the patient fund.

In addition, Tina’s Treasures accepts donated wigs, bras, and prosthetics and gives those donations to the American Cancer Society which provides assistance to those in need, she said.

Tina’s Treasurers is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a virtual tour of Tina’s Treasurers at www.shc.org.