Memphis-area news anchor Pam McKelvy shared an emotional moment with viewers last week while discussing her journey as a breast cancer survivor and the personal bouts she faced with hair loss.
McKelvy was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2012 and underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, which eventually eradicated the cancer.
However, throughout her battle, she suffered extreme hair loss and opted to wear a wig every day since last March – until she appeared on WMCTV last Wednesday.
During a segment exploring women and their “crowns of glory,” McKelvy shared an inspiring message to cancer victims and survivors who have experienced hair loss by telling her story of self-acceptance.
“I made my choice also because I think about the message I send to young women about confidence and self-acceptance,” she said. “The times are changing, and God’s delivered me with a brand-new spirit and a head full of hair, and here it is.”
Moments later, McKelvy removed her wig — saying she’s “taking it off for good” – and debuted her curly, natural hair.
“A woman’s relationship with her hair is sacred,” she said. “Her hair is her crown of glory. And for women in TV, it’s intensified. I lost my hair after chemo and I’ve been wearing a wig since this past march.”
McKelvy described this as a “milestone” moment and said she hopes her decision will help inspire others going through similar struggles.
She added: “Today I’m taking it off for good. This is a milestone, blessed experience for me….I want everybody to know that no matter what you go through, it’s not about what’s on the outside, it’s about what’s on the inside. And I feel that on the inside I am more radiant and beautiful than I’ve ever been.”
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