"It's just a shell. My hair doesn't mean anything."

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KIIITV News

Story Created: Oct 30, 2008 at 9:50 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 30, 2008 at 9:54 AM CST

It's been said that a woman's hair is her crowning glory.

But for one Corpus Christi woman, she's using her hair to battle cancer.

Not her own, but a friend's.

Darlene Menn, a nurse practitioner for women's health, recently found out her friend and co-worker Cindy, a 35-year old mother of four was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

So, to show her support, on Wednesday, Darlene decided to shave her hair to mimic the side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

She says, "I just felt like I needed to make a statement, to support for Cindy and all the Cindy's out there. Healthcare is a big problem right now. I feel beautiful, I am a beautiful awesome creature, we all are. It's just a shell, my hair doesn't mean anything."

Darlene says she's on a one-woman mission to somehow provide healthcare for women who can't afford or obtain it.

Thursday, Oct 30 at 12:13 PM Desiree wrote ...

This is my mother and I could be more proud to say that. She is such an AWESOME loving caring person. She will be by Cindy's side all the way through. TEAM DARLENE i love you mama Desiree

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Thursday, Oct 30 at 1:25 PM Christa wrote ...

I know Darlene on a first hand basis, not only from being one of her patients but as a friend, and she tries to show compassion in all areas of her life. She is the all around sweetest women I have ever met! Thanks for posting this.

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Friday, Oct 31 at 3:11 PM Mandi wrote ...

Darlene is a wonderful person and trying to raise awareness for a great program, we need more people like this in the world!!

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Friday, Oct 31 at 3:12 PM martha wrote ...

Darlene's plight to help women that don't have insurance for breast cancer and ovarian cancer and cervical cancer must be heard and acted upon by those elected officials who are appointed to protect the health of low-income and uninsured men and women!!!

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Friday, Oct 31 at 3:14 PM Ofelia Saldana wrote ...

I know several ladies that don't have insurance and have those problems too - where can they go in Corpus or if they live in Beeville or Rockport?

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Friday, Oct 31 at 6:32 PM Darlene wrote ...

There are BCCS programs all over Texas. Any of them can serve residents of Texas. To locate BCCS programs go to:http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/bcccs/locator.shtm & http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/famplan/locator.shtm

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Monday, Nov 3 at 8:27 AM Victoria Garza wrote ...

I am so moved by this story...It brings me to tears.Its nice to know that there are people like Darlene who care enough to create awareness to a cause as important as this. There are so many women who do not get regular annual check ups that could help screen for possible cancer, due to lack of insurance. I love you Darlene, for helping it be known, that There is some where for them to go. Contact me @ 361-7297512 if you live in or around Rockport for related screenings.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 9:40 AM Velma wrote ...

It takes a very special person to do what darlene did and does everyday to help people .. God Bless you Darlene !

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Monday, Nov 3 at 11:13 AM Monica wrote ...

Darlene is a wonderful beautiful women who cares for all the people who are like the Cindy's in the world. I feel privilaged to know and work with her on her mission to raise awareness on this great program we offer for women. I love ya Darlene, keep up the good work. Our mission is to make sure women know there is a place for them to go, if they need services at free or low cost.

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Monday, Nov 3 at 11:14 AM Anne wrote ...

Its great that we do have assistance out there like BCCS for women that don't have insurance for exams to help detect breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Darlene thank you for your compassion to our community to raise awareness for a great program!

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Monday, Nov 3 at 2:43 PM zandra wrote ...

Way to go Darlene!!!! I really admire you for your bravery and what you are trying to do for women everywhere. I am very blessed to say your my friend. Keep going Darlene!

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Wednesday, Nov 5 at 8:51 PM Joe wrote ...

WOW! My wife died of cancer 3 years back and we had no insurance and no one willing to help. Darlene brought me to tears,and bringing me back to that day when we were told about the cancer and it spreading fast.

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Saturday, Nov 8 at 10:49 AM Pauline wrote ...

I had cancer & finally got medicaid to help me. But they didn't tell me that I had to pick a certain kind, so they put me in the wrong one & my onocologist wouldn't see me until I got it changed. That took 1 1/2 months. I was fighting 2 battles at the same time. I am in remission now. When we are sick, we need help fighting these other battles. Thanks to those that have programs for us.

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Wednesday, Nov 12 at 9:00 AM Valarie Hamilton wrote ...

Darlene is one of the sweetest people I know, I admire her for what she did. I am grateful to have had Darlene in my life and the opportunity to work with her, she has a great heart, and this proves it!

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Saturday, Dec 27 at 8:18 PM Debbie Denny wrote ...

Way to go Darlene! I've known Darlene for 25 years and she is the most compassionate person I've ever met. Thank God for Darlene, let us know what we can do to help you and we're there!

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Friday, Jan 2 at 10:12 AM Maria Alonzo wrote ...

I have know Darlene for a short while. When she showed up at our previous get together and explained what she did and the cause, this showed everyone of us what a true friend is. Women helping women in a battle of this kind surely makes us all stronger. Cindy you have a lifetime friend here. More power to us all.

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