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Fog/Mist Lessening the stress of cancer
Hewlett salon provides hair prosthetics
At European Hair Salon in Hewlett, an exchange of care and locks of hair were the top priority on April 3, working in tandem with Empower Pink, a Manhattan-based nonprofit organization that helps cancer survivors become fitted with hair prosthetics, they fitted Manhattan resident Michelle Diaz, who has breast cancer.
Salon owner and operator Dennis Oliver lost his mother to breast cancer 25 years ago. Since her death, he has always wanted to help others who are experiencing hair loss due to illness. “I love making women feel beautiful,” he said. “In addition to cancer, I also want to help those with alopecia, burn victims and children who are also going through cancer treatments.”
Geri Berman is the liaison between the salon and Empower Pink. It was Berman and Diaz’s mutual friend, Lori Snyder, who got them connected. “We wanted to donate a wig to someone who wasn’t able to have insurance that would cover the expense,” she said. “Our organization helps survivors and provides 24-hour support for them.”
Together, they were able to help Diaz, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. “My hair was to my waist before I got sick,” she said. “I literally went to three different wig places before I was connected with European Hair Salon and Empower Pink. I wasn’t sure how to pay or what to do. The organization actually connected with me through my Facebook friend, and said they wanted to help me. They were very persistent, and I appreciated that.”
Oliver said that he was impressed with Diaz’s strength. “Though she’s going through this every day, she still looks amazing,” he said. “I want to make those who are going through the stress of something like this, have it much easier.”
Diaz sees herself as Veronica Lake, and takes inspiration from the late actress. “I’m not a cancer patient, or a victim,” she said. “I’m a hot chick going through cancer treatment.”
For more information about the salon and the program, call (516) 569-0574 or visit the salon at 1199 Railroad Ave., across the street from the Hewlett train station.
