WEST HARTFORD — An 85-year-old resident at The McAuley senior living community has turned a lifelong skill into a steady source of comfort for cancer patients across the region.
Workmanship turned into service
John Spaziani, a former auto-shop owner who ran his business for 35 years in New Hartford, now spends much of his time in The McAuley’s workshop building wooden wig stands. He has supplied the stands to area hospitals and community members, and has a working relationship with Hartford HealthCare, providing stands to patients at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.
Spaziani said he began the project after reading about someone else making wig stands for patients. After his own cancer experience 15 years ago, he said helping others felt like the right next step.
“I am going to do this until I can’t do this no more!”
At The McAuley, other residents help by painting the stands once Spaziani finishes the woodworking. The collaboration allows him to continue producing stands at a steady pace.
Why the stands matter
Wig stands serve a simple but practical purpose: they help patients store and care for wigs, keeping styles intact and reducing wear. For patients undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing hair loss for other medical reasons, the stands can be a small but meaningful piece of dignity and normalcy.
Spaziani estimates he has made hundreds of stands. He said the work allows him to stay busy, use his hands, and give back to people facing difficult health challenges.
How the project is organized
- Location where Spaziani works: The McAuley senior living community in West Hartford.
- Recipients: Patients at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington and others through local connections with Hartford HealthCare.
- Community involvement: Residents at The McAuley assist with painting and finishing the stands.
The effort highlights a local model of volunteerism: combining individual skills, a senior living community’s resources, and partnerships with health providers to meet a specific patient need.
Local context
The McAuley’s workshop provides a space and tools that allow residents like Spaziani to remain active and engaged. For many older adults, participation in meaningful projects supports both physical and mental well-being. In this case, the activity also extends concrete help to cancer patients in the region.
| What | Where |
|---|---|
| Wig stands built and finished | The McAuley, West Hartford |
| Hospital recipient | Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington (Hartford HealthCare) |
Residents or organizations interested in similar projects may consider partnering with senior centers, assisted-living communities or local hospitals. Small, durable wooden stands require modest materials and basic woodworking skills, yet the finished product can make a tangible difference for someone undergoing cancer treatment.
John Spaziani’s work is a reminder that volunteer efforts can come from the most unexpected places — including a well-equipped workshop inside a West Hartford senior community.
