Local Stylists Assist in Fight Against Breast Cancer

Hair—one of the first of many things most diagnosed with breast cancer are forced to live without—is the connection a local salon owner said led her to help fight the disease.

Brenda Maeda, co-owner of in Harrison and Hair and Beyond in Rye, is hosting a fundraiser on October 24 in Harrison with all proceeds going toward City of Hope, a cancer research, education and treatment center. Stylists from both locations will report to work in Harrison on a usual day off to cut hair, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward City of Hope.

"This is something we are touched by every day," said Maeda. "It's something very close to what we do every day, so we decided to give back to the community."

Anyone who has his or her hair cut on October 24 will be asked to donate $50 to the fundraiser. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 245 Halstead Avenue in Harrison.

Maeda said local businesses and regular customers have already made donations, and that both locations are spending the month spreading to word and working to raise money. This year's goal is to raise $5,000.

"We wanted to raise the bar a little this year," Maeda said. The fundraiser netted $4,000 a year ago.

This is at least the second time this year the staff at Hair Creations has worked through a typical day off for a good cause. The staff  for Autism Speaks in April.