Dianne Austin is the co-founder and CEO of the startup, Coils to Locs, a direct to hospital distributor of high-quality coily, curly medical wigs for black women or any woman with highly textured hair. Coils to Locs is at the forefront of addressing an unrecognized health care disparity that impacts Black women or any women with highly textured hair experiencing chemotherapy-related hair loss: The lack of coily, curly wigs that are available at cancer centers in the U.S. that can be purchased with health insurance reimbursement. Dianne is a breast cancer survivor and diversity and inclusion expert turned community activist and entrepreneur.

A few highlights from the show:

1. Dianne goes into detail about how integrative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, art therapy, and massage were very helpful for her. Getting these therapies helped her realize how important self-care is even when the treatment stops and into survivorship.

2. Dianne scheduled people to sit with her while she received chemotherapy. That was a way for her to make sure that the people who wanted to support her had an opportunity to do that. It was also a way for her to accept their help and support.

3. Dianne was surprised by the physical changes and issues that occurred due to chemotherapy. 

4. Dianne believes that it is okay to be vulnerable and to accept that she is not Superwoman. When you reach this point, you open yourself up to help.

Follow and learn more about Dianne and Coils to Locs at:

Coils to Locs (https://coilstolocs.com/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CoilsToLocs/)

LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/coilstolocs/)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coilstolocswigs/)

Twitter (https://twitter.com/coilstolocs)

About Me:

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, out of the blue. I did not have any prior health concerns or issues.

Fast forward, the dreaded cancer diagnosis opened my eyes, introduced me to my purpose, and lead me to where I am today.

As a Cancer Doula, I use my 10-years of experience with cancer to support and guide others diagnosed with cancer. Many people are not familiar with what a cancer doula is. Think of me as a personal health care advocate.

Schedule a free 30-minute meet and greet call to learn more. https://bit.ly/OTOSDiscovery

Looking for a gift for yourself, a friend, or a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer or they are a caregiver? Visit my shop.

Thanks for joining us on today's episode of the Navigating Cancer TOGETHER podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to iTunes and leave a rate and review to help me reach even more people that are facing cancer. Make sure you visit On the Other Side, follow me on Instagram, or sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter to get information and resources related to cancer.

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