By Marci Narum
Since she started her career as a radio DJ 30 years ago, Stacy Sturm has been giving back to her community. Stacy is often asked to speak, emcee, or host public events such as fundraisers; it comes with the territory of being a spunky local celebrity.
“When you're in the public eye … people want you to judge a lip-sync contest or a talent show, or do a broadcast from a bowling tournament,” Stacy explains.
Early on in her career, Stacy discovered there is so much more to being a radio DJ than having fun on the air, playing music, and making commercials. She says her work has helped her understand that she has a voice and how best to use it.
“So, I could use it to just tell fart jokes on the radio or use it to help raise money for people that don't have food a place to sleep. That's what I really went into (radio) for … giving a voice to voiceless people. I’m lending my voice and my influence to those kind of things. I keep doing it because I feel so blessed to have had the career that I've had.
But being in the public eye also put Stacy in a tough position three years ago, when she was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Reluctant to go public at first, Stacy chose to share her diagnosis with her followers.
“I did not have any issues going through cancer treatment,” Stacy shares. “I was one of the very few lucky ones. I knock on wood that I'm still in remission, but I'm not out of the woods yet, because 85% of women with late-stage ovarian cancer die.”
A HOPEFULL ATTITUDE
Stacy did weekly treatments, receiving three different kinds of chemo. She says her oncologist gave her hope when he said her cancer treatment was going to be just a ‘bump in the road.’
“Afterward, he said, ‘I’ve got to be honest with you, kid, I wasn't sure you were going to make it,’” Stacy shares.
“He told me that 80% of my treatment is just attitude,” Stacy explains. “So, he set the tone for my treatment. And I did it.”
Attitude was also key in Stacy’s decision to go public when she began losing her hair following chemotherapy. She embraced her hair loss with grace and her signature spunk, posting selfies each time she wore a new wig.
“Because I know that so many other people are going through it and will go through it, so, years from now, people are probably still going to look at some of those videos and posts,” Stacy says. “It's been three years since my journey started, and I still have people come up to me and say, ‘Following you has really inspired me. I got diagnosed with breast cancer three months ago, and your advice has really helped me.’
FABULOUS IN A WIG
Now, Stacy is offering more than advice. From her radio station, URL Radio in downtown Bismarck, North Dakota, Stacy shares tips on wearing wigs. She’s thrilled to have discovered wigs by Chelsey Smith Cosmetics. The designer is a Bismarck native.
“She sells them online, and I had heard horror stories about buying wigs online … but I ordered a wig and … it was great,” Stacy says.
Stacy began sporting a new color and style each week.
“I throw on a wig and I leave the house, and 20 seconds later, I'm fabulous. I don't like I have cancer, and I don't look like I'm sick. I’m having fun, and it really does set the tone for my whole day.
“If I want to be a different color, I can. Today I'm kind of brunette but blondish and kind of 70s, but tomorrow I could be pink, and the next day I can be blue. Just have some fun with it.”
TRY ONE ON FOR SIZE
Stacy’s radio station has become a safe place for women experiencing hair loss to learn more about the option of wearing a wig. Stacy invites women to the station to experiment and play with her wigs, and she teaches them how to style and care for their new locks.
“I have a lot of women reach out to me and say they're losing their hair, whether it's cancer, weight loss surgery, alopecia, or whatever it might be, they're losing their hair, and they really want to get into wigs. I always have some here at the radio station, so if anybody's going through a hair journey … just pop into the radio station, I can guarantee, I always have a dozen on hand at any given point in time.”
Stacy says about 50 women have taken her up on the offer, visiting her at URL Radio for a wig lesson.
“And we'll often talk about cancer,” Stacy shares, “and then we'll cry and have a moment. But then they’ll put on a wig and say, ‘This isn't going to be so bad.’”
Stacy’s had a good assortment of wigs – approximately 200 of them. Her collection includes something in every color, length, and style. She has given some away, and she sells others for a nominal price.
“And if they want to order wigs, then they feel more prepared.”
PINK AND PURPLE PRINCESS HAIR
Stacy says choosing to wear wigs has made battling her cancer much easier.
“You can have pink and purple princess hair versus being sad about it. So, I just really decided to embrace it and have some fun with it, and it really is a big thing now. It's a big part of my day, I love it. I still love to wear wigs. It's just so much fun to be able to be any color hair any style here you want. It's crazy, it's so much fun, it really is.”
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