Fundraiser focuses on cancer awareness

Katrina Salon & Spa, 8 N. River St., Batavia, is set to host its second cancer awareness fundraiser in honor of local resident Brian J. McGrath, whose battle with melanoma lasted for two years until his death in 2005. He was 36.

The fundraiser, "Notion of Self: Cancer Awareness," will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 21. It is organized by McGrath's widow, Kathleen McGrath, and their daughter, Aisling McGrath. This special event is intended to bring community awareness to the loss of identity that one faces while battling cancer as they strive to maintain a normal life.

Although he was physically transformed by his sickness and medical treatments with weight, hair and energy loss, he held firmly to his notion of self as his external identity reflected that of a cancer patient. McGrath continued to face his life with dignity and humor until his death.

Attendees are encouraged to donate their locks to charitable organizations that provide wigs to cancer patients and to people with other medical conditions that cause permanent hair loss. In exchange, Katrina Salon and Spa will offer free haircuts to attendees who are willing to donate their hair.

Reservations are requested. Monetary donations also are welcome and will be given to the Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund, jacksfund.org, as a fundraiser in conjunction with Kathleen McGrath running this year's Chicago Marathon for Jack's Team.

For more information, call (630) 482-2772.