a note from our founder:
Liesel Treppendahl Riddick
Founder & President
THE POLAR SHIFT
As a registered nurse with over 20 years of diverse healthcare experience, I was shocked to discover scalp cooling technology only when faced with 17 rounds of chemotherapy. I assumed it was a recent innovation, but to my surprise, this hair-saving treatment option has been available for over two decades, demonstrating proven efficacy worldwide. With the assistance of a cold capping specialist, I embraced this remarkable technology, and, incredibly, retained the majority of my hair throughout all SEVENTEEN chemotherapy sessions, emerging from my breast cancer battle stronger and more resilient than ever.
Beyond saving my hair, scalp cooling kept HOPE alive in my daughter's eyes. Witnessing me maintain my appearance throughout our shared journey offered a tangible symbol of strength, courage, and perseverance. It safeguarded both our mental and emotional well-being, granting us the power to navigate this difficult chapter with dignity and privacy, our spirits unbroken.
Despite the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, each reflection in the mirror served as a testament to the most important battle won — the battle inside my mind. There was no incongruence, no 'sick' person staring back, casting doubts and disrupting my healing journey. Instead, each glance confirmed my resilience, fueled unwavering optimism, and deepened my gratitude towards my Heavenly Father.
Throughout my treatment, I questioned why more patients facing hair loss weren't utilizing this extraordinary technology. It became clear to me that there existed a critical gap in patient awareness, education, and access. This ignited a powerful sense of purpose. Driven by my nursing background, motherhood, and unshakable faith, I felt compelled to take action. Together with my dear friend, fellow breast cancer survivor, and former cold capping partner, we embarked on a mission to bridge this gap and empower individuals facing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Our shared passion led to the creation of The Polar Shift, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shifting the paradigm and putting cancer patients back in the driver’s seat of their care.
If you seek to delve deeper into my story, follow the link to my documented testimonial.