THE HEART BEHIND
United Capping
Meet Ashley
the founder of United Capping LLC. Her journey to this role was not a chosen path but a response to life’s challenges, which she has transformed into an opportunity to help others.
In August 2021, Ashley was diagnosed with HER2+, estrogen-positive breast cancer at just 38 years old. With a vibrant life and two active boys, a cancer diagnosis was the last thing she expected. Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and a minimum of five years of continuous medication. Breaking the news to her sons, then 6 and 9, was one of the most difficult moments. Their limited understanding of cancer revolved around hair loss and mortality. Their questions about how she would feel and whether she would lose her hair motivated Ashley to explore ways to make her journey seamless for her family. This search led her to cold capping.
For Ashley, cold capping was transformative. It allowed her to maintain her appearance, sparing her children from seeing her without hair and shielding her from the constant visual reminder of her illness. This, she believes, played a significant role in maintaining her emotional and mental strength, ultimately aiding in her fight against cancer.
Once declared disease-free, Ashley felt compelled to use her experience to help others, leading to the creation of United Capping. She understands the stress a cancer diagnosis places on families and aims to alleviate some of that burden through her services. United Capping offers tailored support, including training before treatment, assistance during the first chemotherapy session, and full capping services throughout treatment.
Ashley’s goal is to help patients save their hair and provide comfort and reassurance by sharing her experience and success. Through United Capping, she is committed to helping others navigate their journey with hope and confidence.
Meet the Capping Specialists
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A compassionate registered nurse with 30 years of experience and degrees in Nursing and Organizational Management. As a nurse educator, she’s been dedicated to training and mentoring future nurses, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
In December 2022, Jody’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she gained a renewed perspective on life, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.
Now, she’s passionate about using her experience to advocate for others facing similar challenges. She’s grateful for the incredible support she received and looks forward to giving back in meaningful ways.
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In 2017, Tammy was diagnosed with HER2+ hormone-negative DCIS and IDC breast cancer. At the time, cold capping wasn’t widely available in East Tennessee, and she had no option to save her hair. As a professional in the commercial mortgage industry, she had to put her career on hold for nearly two years until treatment was complete and her hair started to grow back.
In 2024, after retiring, Tammy discovered United Capping through a post in the Breast Connect Facebook group. It was the perfect opportunity to give back and support others facing a cancer diagnosis and the fear of hair loss. Now, as part of the United Capping team, she finds joy in helping clients retain their hair and feel more like themselves during treatment.
Tammy is married and has a large blended family, including six daughters, one son, 17 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
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A cancer survivor whose journey redefined resilience and self-care. Diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2020, she struggled with hair loss and its emotional toll. When re-diagnosed in 2024, she discovered cold capping through United Capping, preserving 90% of her hair—and with it, a sense of normalcy for herself and her children. This life-changing experience led her to join United Capping, where she now helps others hold on to their identity during treatment. Mary is honored to support and encourage those navigating similar challenges, ensuring no one has to face them alone.
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She is a proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to one adorable granddaughter. In addition to her role as a mother and capping specialist, she also serves as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. Since 2019, she has been facing the challenges of stage four colon cancer, and she continues to fight with resilience. Being a Capping Specialist brings her immense joy, as she deeply understands the emotional and physical struggles that come with cancer. The impact of this illness can be overwhelming and often feels beyond anyone’s control. However, United Capping offers a way for her to regain a sense of control over hair loss, providing support and empowerment during this difficult time.
OUR MISSION