Just as no one chooses to battle cancer, no one chooses how the illness will affect their body.

No one gets to decide if they will lose their hair because of radiation treatments, but the folks with the nonprofit Glory, Hope and Life are giving women a say in how they will present themselves to the world.

For the last few years, the organization has been providing support to cancer patients — including helping patients locate wigs, specialty bras and other prosthetics to help them feel more confident about their altered appearance.

“If patients don’t have the money to pay for these things, they can apply for a grant through us,” said Jullie King, Glory, Hope and Life board member.

“They can use the money for other places, but most of the time they’ll go through The Shoppe (at The Longstreet Clinic).”

Providing such services to patients takes money and Glory, Hope and Life has been lucky enough to be selected as one of 12 local recipients of a Wells Fargo Days of Giving grant.

“This is our first days of giving, but we’re calling it the first for a reason — we want to do this again,” said J.D. Mealor, Wells Fargo business banking area manager in Gainesville.

“We have been through a lot of changes and so have our customers. We hope that this shows our customers that we’re still dedicated to each or our communities — this was an entirely local decision, we didn’t have someone from (corporate offices) telling us who to select as grant recipients.”

Habitat for Humanity of Hall County, Piedmont CASA and the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County are among the selected beneficiaries.

“These have been difficult economic times for everyone, including nonprofits, so we’re so thankful for this gift,” said Stefanie Long, Eagle Ranch director of communications.

“We’re going to use the grant for operational funding, to help us meet our everyday needs. Gifts like this one from Wells Fargo are a true blessing.”

Administrators with Challenged Child and Friends say they will use their grant funds to assist with the production of their annual Festival of Trees fundraiser in December.

“All of the money that we raise that night is used to support the children here at Challenged Child and Friends who have special needs,” said Lee Highsmith, Challenged Child’s director of development.

Each of the nonprofits was to receive a $1,000 check during a breakfast ceremony today at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center.

“We wanted to keep the (selection process) close to home. We asked each of our branch managers and business bankers to nominate a nonprofit,” Mealor said.

“The response was so well received that we envision this being an annual thing going forward.”