Health and Healing Boutique Opens in Hanover for Women Living with Cancer

Officials at Hanover Hospital are pleased to announce the opening of “LifeChanges,” a health and healing boutique dedicated to serving women in the Greater Hanover area who are living with a cancer diagnosis. Located in the Hanover Community Health & Education Center, 400 York Street, Hanover, the shop will open October 1st, 2008.

LifeChanges is owned and operated by Diana Klunk, who is a breast cancer survivor, and the spouse of a colorectal cancer survivor. Following her surgery in 2006, Klunk found it difficult if not impossible to find the kinds of products in Hanover that would have offered ease and comfort during her recovery.  Her own journey with cancer led her to the idea of opening the boutique, when she realized she could help others to feel good about themselves again.

As part of her services, Klunk will respond to physician referrals and meet with patients prior to their hospitalization, so each woman facing cancer surgery will have the knowledge and reassurance of the products she will need, and be aware of what insurance will cover.  She hopes this will help decrease some of the stress and anxiety that is inevitable when facing a life-changing surgery. 

The LifeChanges boutique will stock post-mastectomy supplies such as post-surgical garments, bras, breast forms and prosthetics, scarves, hats and wigs, lymphodema sleeves, and skin care products formulated for sensitive skin issues resulting from treatment.

Resource materials such as books, videos and DVDs will be available to borrow or for purchase, in addition to handcrafted jewelry and gift items made by local artisans, created to bring comfort and beauty into a cancer survivor’s life.   Klunk eventually will incorporate referrals for alternative healing methods intended to be complementary to traditional treatment methods, including Reiki, massage, yoga, acupuncture, meditation and nutritional counseling.

A lifelong Hanover resident, a team captain for the Hanover Area Relay For Life, and now co-facilitator of the Hanover Area Breast Cancer Support Group, Klunk has served on various committees for other local area fundraising events.  Committed to helping others through her new boutique, Klunk stated, “I am dedicating my professional future to help other women find their way through the life changes they will experience in their own personal journey with cancer.”