Scalp Cooling System Offers Cancer Patients More Comfort Close to Home 

July 9, 2026
 

When Paula LeHew was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer earlier this year, her WVU Medicine care team moved quickly. 

“Between the office visits and the mammograms and all the tests, it moved really fast,” she said. “All the communication between the doctors and the nurses, everybody in the hospital has been great and friendly. It really has been a much easier process than I thought it was going to be.” 

As she prepared for chemotherapy, Paula was also preparing for one of the most visible side effects of treatment: hair loss. For her, that concern was about more than appearance. It was about confidence, privacy, and not wanting her grandchildren to worry. 

WVU Cancer Institute patient Paula poses for a photo with the Cooling Cap.

Now, as she receives care at the WVU Cancer institute at Berkeley Medical Center, Paula is using a new scalp-cooling system to limit chemotherapy’s impact on hair follicles. While some shedding is expected, the goal is to make hair loss less noticeable to the outside world. 

For Paula, having that option available close to home made a meaningful difference. 

“I believe I’m going to get better,” she said. “They tell me it's curable, so I’m going to do everything I can to fight.” 

The scalp-cooling systems were made possible through the WVU Cancer Institute’s donor-supported “Fund the Mission” initiative, which raised more than $278,000 during the 2026 Annual Cancer Gala to purchase advanced scalp-cooling systems for patients with cancer. The systems are being distributed to 17 WVU Cancer Institute facilities throughout the network, including Berkeley Medical Center. 

For patients facing chemotherapy, the technology can offer more than a clinical benefit. It can help protect confidence and give patients a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. 

“It helps your morale,” she said. “I am so thankful that I have this. I only live 15 minutes away from here. I’m thankful I don’t have to go very far.” 

Along with her care team at WVU Medicine, Paula noted that her faith and community is helping to carry her through this journey, adding, “I am so thankful for the prayers of many friends, family and churches.”  

For other patients who may be nervous about trying scalp cooling, Paula has simple advice. 

“Go for it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid.  They walk you through the whole process.” 

Donate to help more patients 

Donations to the WVU Hospitals East Foundation Cancer Comfort Fund provide direct support to local cancer patients of all ages by easing the financial burdens that often accompany treatment and recovery. Your gift helps provide essential resources such as nutritional supplements, medications, transportation assistance, lodging for patients traveling for treatment, and specialized medical equipment—including cooling caps that may help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy—along with other supportive care items that enhance comfort, promote healing, and improve quality of life throughout the cancer journey. Learn more: Donate: WVU Medicine Hospitals East Foundation