Last October, the color pink didn’t mean anything to me. What a difference a year makes! I had been walking around with blinders on about breast cancer - I falsely believed that it only affected women who were more endowed than I am. I got mammograms done regularly, but I didn’t take them that seriously. After my personal experience with breast cancer this year, I realized that so many people around me have also been affected, and I am now taking it a lot more seriously.
With my initial diagnosis, I saw a cancer specialist who recommended that I get 24 chemotherapy treatments, as well as a mastectomy. Needless to say, I was scared at the prospect of such a lengthy and invasive treatment plan. Thankfully a client recommended that I get a second opinion with a breast cancer specialist named Dr. Debra Patt. After evaluating my case, Dr. Patt felt that I only needed 4 chemotherapy treatments and a lumpectomy, along with radiation. What a relief!
Dr. Patt is a champion of women and has gone to bat for us, even testifying before Congress to advocate for cancer patients (you can watch her testimony here, starting at the 2 hour, 25 minute mark). My treatment team also included Heather King - the best surgeon in Austin, in my opinion. These two women made a significant difference in my recovery. Though their reputations preceded them, and once I met them I knew that I was in the best hands in Austin. I am so grateful that my clients led me to both of these amazing women.
All this is to say that the color pink has become a really big deal to me. If you walk into Garbo, you’ll see a lot more of pink this year. I – and the Garbo world by extention – now have a lot more awareness about breast cancer, the importance of regular screenings and good doctors, and awareness about cold caps (which you can read about in my previous blogs). Through Garbo, I have and will continue to spread these messages near and far.
For the month of October, Garbo will be asking for a $1 donation for with each service to subsidize funding for cold caps for women earning less than $40,000 per year, through Hair To Stay.
We will also be accepting $5 donations for a chance to win a gift basket containing zipline tickets, theater tickets, an organic bottle of wine, salon services, salon products, and more.
As always, thank you for your continued support of Garbo and myself!
Love,
Marsha
