Cancer survivors can get free spa services
Barbara Paget is a big example of how one little ol' person can make a difference. She took it upon herself to help change the world on behalf of cancer survivors.
Paget, a hospital volunteer who worked for a doctor who was a cancer survivor, decided five years ago to hold a day of pampering for cancer survivors at a spa. Today, it's a statewide affair on the verge of going national.
"I heard about a spa in California doing this, so I set it up at Femmes, the spa I go to," said Paget of Highland Park. "After three years, I knew it was something that should be done for everyone; I just knew it."
She connected with state Rep. Karen May, who spearheaded a resolution through the House to set aside a day for Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day. A proclamation in the Illinois Senate, introduced by Sen. Susan Garrett, also passed.
Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day calls for free pampering (massages, manicures, haircuts, etc.) for cancer survivors from participating business. The voluntary services are to be provided the first Tuesday in December each year.
Paget emphasizes the day is for all cancer survivors.
"This is not just for the people who are recently diagnosed. This is for the person diagnosed 30 years ago, 20 years ago. Why can't they be celebrated?" she said.
"When someone is first diagnosed, you're fussed over, people do things for you. Five years later, you're still worrying about it, thinking about it, but people have moved on to the next one."
Paget hit the Yellow Pages contacting countless salons and spas, soliciting them to get involved in the program. So far, she has received commitments from hundreds of businesses across the state, including some as far away as Springfield. Her greatest coup was getting Great Clips onboard.
"We estimate that 75 to 80 locations throughout the Chicagoland and Rockford area will participate," said Jim Petrowich, president of the Great Clips Chicago Co-op.
"This is a great way to give back, and if we put a smile in their day, that's just an added plus."
Purvi Shah of the Ace Salon in Mount Prospect plans to offer free manicures, pedicures and facial hair removal through her participation in the program.
"Some patients get a lot of hair growth after hormone replacement therapy, so I'm glad to offer hair removal and eyebrow shaping," Shah said. "My mother and grandfather were both victims of cancer, so I thought this was a good opportunity to do something."
Vicki Adams, 54, of Highland Park is a cancer survivor who has taken advantage of free mini-massages at Femmes before the day became official elsewhere.
"It's a day to celebrate our wellness," she said. "It's a fellowship where we sit around in an open environment and feel free to discuss our feelings, fears and life dealing with cancer."
Statewide is one thing, but Paget won't rest until the event goes national. She claims to have support on the matter from Sen. Richard Durbin, Rep. Mark Kirk and others.
"I hope every survivor in America has this opportunity," Paget said.
Participating salons
Here is a partial list of participating salons. New salons are joining the cause weekly. For an updated list, e-mail bnphp@aol.com.
• Calia Lily Salon, Aurora, (630) 892-8100
• Connie Pagano, Deerfield, (847) 498-9255
• Cyndirella Academy, St. Charles, (630) 443-9200
• Michael Thomas Salon and Spa, Buffalo Grove, (847) 913-5555
• Connie Pagano Hair Salon, Deerfield, (847) 498-9255
• Ritual Salon, Lake Zurich, (630) 779-6666
• Ace Salon, Mount Prospect, (847) 208-6407
• Sasah G Salon, Wheeling, (847) 215-7033
• Great Clips locations in Aurora, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Downers Grove, Fox River Grove, Geneva, Lake Zurich, Lisle, Naperville, Oswego, St. Charles, Streamwood, Wauconda, Wheaton. Call to confirm.