"This is what mom needed... A place that provides comfort, confidence and dignity.”

Through a donor advised fund at Bronson Health Foundation, the family of Mary Rapelje pledged support to launch the Beautiful You by Profile program at Bronson Cancer Center in Kalamazoo. Bronson patients undergoing treatment in both Kalamazoo and Battle Creek can use the complimentary services. Mary's family shared this story:

Mary lost her brave battle with cancer in 2020, but her spirit, strength, and kindness continue to guide her family and all who knew her. One of the most emotional moments in her cancer journey came when she found out she would need chemotherapy—not because of the physical side effects, but because of what it meant for her identity. Mary had always taken immense pride in her beautiful red hair, and the thought of losing it was deeply painful.

When the time came to shave her head, her trusted hairdresser and close friend came to the house to do it—giving Mary the comfort of going through that emotional moment in a private, safe, and loving space. That simple act of kindness made a lasting impact.

When the Beautiful You program was introduced at Bronson Cancer Center, Mary’s daughters knew immediately: “This is what Mom needed.” A space where cancer patients can feel normal, supported, and cared for—a space that provides comfort, confidence, and dignity during one of the hardest seasons of life.

But it’s not just about hair. Chemo took a toll on Mary’s nails, too—something many face during treatment. Her regular nail salon couldn’t help, so she found creative ways to feel like herself again. Mary was determined to keep her nails looking good, even if that meant sitting at the kitchen table while her daughters painted them by hand. That determination to hold on to a piece of her normal life is at the heart of this program. The Beautiful You Program offers services like wigs, haircuts, and manicures— designed specifically for patients in treatment who need a safe, understanding place to feel beautiful again.

Mary often said how thankful she was for the resources and support she had. But not everyone is that lucky. Not everyone has a best friend who’s a hairstylist or a family who can fill in the gaps. Through this pledge, we hope to provide those same resources to women who are already fighting for their lives—so they don’t have to fight for their dignity, too. This is more than a program. It’s a promise to carry forward Mary’s compassion and grace—and to help others feel like themselves again, even in the hardest moments.

Pictured at top of page: Family of Mary Rapelje, L-R: son-in-law and daughter, Dan and Amanda Betke; husband David “Rap” Rapelje; granddaughter Payton Rauch; and daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Dexter Rauch. 

If you and your family would like to learn more about opportunities to give through Bronson Health Foundation, you may contact the Foundation at healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org, or call 269-341-8100.