Janet Pierson, a certified registered nurse anesthetist at White River Medical Center (WRMC), found purpose in an unexpected place during one of the most challenging seasons of her life: a small wig room tucked inside White River Health Radiation Oncology, encountered during her own battle with breast cancer.

In January 2024, WRMC became more than Pierson’s workplace, it became her lifeline. Her life changed when a routine mammogram revealed a suspicious area high under her arm.

“I wasn’t that worried at first,” Pierson said. “There was no lump. I had no symptoms. I give credit to my amazing mammography technologist, who captured this spot that was almost out of the scanning range.”

After additional imaging and a biopsy, Pierson was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer, a HER2-positive subtype known for its aggressive and fast-growing nature. She credits early detection and access to local care for her positive prognosis.

“I am so thankful my cancer was caught early and that treatment was available locally, especially for HER2-positive breast cancer,” she said. “Thirty years ago, there was no treatment for this.”

Pierson underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in March 2024, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and a year of immunotherapy infusions all at White River Health Oncology, and ongoing oral immunotherapy. She also received radiation therapy at White River Health Radiation Oncology, home to the organization’s wig room, a resource for patients during their cancer treatment journey.

Although referred to as the wig room, the room offers much more than wigs. Items include hats, scarves, educational materials, pillows, breast prosthetics, mastectomy bras, and other comfort items for patients navigating cancer treatment.

“My amazing coworkers took up a collection to help me buy a wig,” Pierson said. “I realized that losing my hair didn’t really bother me, so I didn’t wear it much. But when I learned about this room, I found it had so many resources other than wigs.” She noted that although the wig room was likely mentioned to her early in her journey, the experience of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. “I had been bald for about three months when a friend who started chemotherapy the same day as me told me about it.”

Pierson is a state and local supplier of a national charity that provides free knit and crochet breast prosthetics. She had the inspiration to donate her knitted items to the wig room.

“Crocheting is one of my favorite pastimes,” she said. “I’m part of a cancer support group on Facebook and connected with a group that makes prosthetics for breast cancer survivors.”

When she delivered a basket of her handmade prosthetics to the wig room, Pierson noticed another need. She reflected on fellow patients she encountered during treatment, many struggling with insecurities due to the changes in their appearance from cancer and treatments.

“When you’re going through something like this, everything feels hard,” she said. “Little things make a big difference. I was so blessed to have a strong support system, and I wanted to offer hope to others who might not have the same support.”

With help from volunteers at New Hope Refuge, a faith-based ministry program in Independence County for women with addictions, Pierson developed a plan to transform the wig room into an organized, welcoming space.

“The staff does a great job collecting items and resources. I just wanted everything to be easier to find,” she said. “We organized wigs by color and length, placed items in labeled bins, and created a more inviting environment. New Hope is always looking for ways to serve. I shared my vision, and they made it happen.”

Today, Pierson hopes patients who enter the room feel a sense of hope and even excitement.

“I want it to be a place that offers a sense of normalcy during a time that feels overwhelming and hard,” she said.

While Pierson continues her own recovery, she remains grateful and committed to giving back.

“I never had to do this alone,” she said. “My husband, family, and friends were with me every step of the way. Helping others allows me to offer support to patients who may really need it.”

In addition to chemotherapy, infusion, and radiation services, White River Health’s dedicated nurse navigator guides patients through their cancer journey and recently launched a local cancer support group, which is a meeting for patients, survivors, caregivers, or family members who have been touched by any type of cancer. Support groups allow attendees to express emotions without judgment, gain new perspectives, learn coping skills, and, most importantly, find community through shared experiences.

The re-established cancer support group is meeting every 2^nd Wednesday of the month at 10am at the Batesville Community Center.

“This support group while in its early stages, shows great promise. Patients and survivors can come together to discuss their feelings, goals, and life during and after treatment,” said Chelsey Davis, RN, Nurse Navigator for Oncology at White River Health. “My hope with our support group is to grow a network of survivors to connect with current patients undergoing treatment. I hope with the help of the members, to truly grow a support network. As a nurse navigator I can guide patients through their experience; however, speaking to someone who has already experienced it means so much more.”

Anyone interested in attending or being a part of the support network can call Chelsey at 870-262-6205. 

Pierson has also started a breast cancer support group, called Batesville Breast Cancer Support group, that meets the 2^nd Monday of each month at 5:30pm at US Pizza in Batesville.

Through it all, Pierson maintains a message of hope. For those facing a cancer diagnosis, she offers simple advice: “Take it one day at a time, and remember God is in control.”

Pictured (L to R) Janet Pierson, CRNA; Amberly Ellis - New Hope Refuge; Amy Robbins - New Hope Refuge; and (back) Sheena Doss - New Hope Refuge; Chelsey Davis, RN Nurse Navigator, White River Health Radiation Oncology

Posted: March 11, 2026