SALT LAKE CITY -- A local salon is providing support for women with cancer, and they held a Radiance of Resilience celebration to honor the courage of those who battle cancer.
Twenty women gathered at Vida Salon in Salt Lake City Monday for the event.
Event Organizer Militia Earl described the purpose of the event, "This is a celebration of the courage it takes to battle cancer."
Earl is a Weber State University student who decided she wanted to help women who are undergoing cancer treatments.
"A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer, and it just kind of encouraged me to do something to show her that a lot of people who she doesn't even know are here to support her,” she said.
Earl teamed up with the Vida Salon to give free salon services and other gifts to women battling cancer.
An organization called Heal Courageously also helped at the event, the organization provides free professional photos for cancer patients and their families. Heal Courageously Founder Michelle Marthia said they have a personal interest in the struggles of cancer survivors.
"I'm a cancer survivor, and the photographer that's here is a cancer survivor,” she said. “This is a group of people that wanted to do something for cancer patients. It helps lift people during really difficult times.”
Beverly Brehl has cancer, and she said was glad to take part in the event.
"Cancer can be expensive, and you don't always feel great about yourself, and so it's nice to have a free haircut and feel better and meet some people, some great people,” she said.
The participants emphasized that the event was focused on the importance of helping others.
"It's the kindness of strangers,” Earl said. “It's people who don't even know you, who have no affiliation with you, who are saying, ‘We know this is a hard time for you. We want to help out any way we can.’”
Brehl said she is grateful for the event and the support of those who participated.
"I thought it was really amazing,” she said. “I think it was really special that they're willing to kind of give of their time, you know, when they could otherwise be making money, to do this totally for free for cancer patients."
For more information about support for those fighting cancer, visit the Cancer Wellness House’s website.
