Irish Designer Wins Award for Chemotherapy Device

Olivia Humphreys, a 24-year-old Irish inventor, has won the James Dyson Award for her affordable scalp-cooling device, Athena, aimed at reducing hair loss during chemotherapy, inspired by her mother's cancer battle. This innovative device is portable, potentially reducing hospital time and costs associated with existing scalp cooling technologies. Meanwhile, Sandra Abrevaya transitioned from public service to co-found Synapticure, a company that enhances access to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, stemming from her personal experience with her husband's ALS diagnosis. In another dimension of hair loss support, Shani Lechan, founder of Shani Wigs, emphasizes the emotional importance of wigs for women facing medical hair loss, while entrepreneur Katie Cole shares her personal journey with breast cancer and how it has transformed her hair growth business into a source of empowerment. Both Lechan and Cole are dedicated to uplifting women during their challenging experiences with cancer. Their initiatives highlight the intersection of personal adversity and the development of supportive products and communities.