Christmas Spirit

At The Hair Salon

To the Editor:

As a newly diagnosed breast cancer victim, I made the tearful phone call to the hair salon to make my appointment before the holidays. It would be the last one before chemotherapy and losing my hair.

To my surprise, the voice on the other end of the phone was a source of strength and comfort. She just said, “Don’t worry, we’ll get through this, come on over.” I learned that this salon has quietly helped many breast cancer victims before.

My stylist and I talked about the situation and the challenging road ahead. She explained that they would help me through the whole traumatic hair loss journey and regrowth period both emotionally and physically. They would be there for me. All of a sudden, it seemed, I was surrounded by other clients and employees, including a member of the clergy. We all held hands and prayed for healing and strength. I didn’t know many of these people who joined in the circle. It was a very powerful experience. I want to thank them all for one of the greatest Christmas presents I’ve had in my life. It is the gift of hope. Isn’t this the simple message of Christmas anyway?

My heartfelt thanks to Robert Anthony’s Hair Salon, and especially to Diane Skuba and Diane Skuba Harty.

(Mary) Barrett Anders

15 Grand Place, Newtown                                    December 19, 2005

(Editor’s note: The Anders family has established a fund at Danbury Hospital to support breast cancer research and development. Persons wishing to support this family effort may send checks payable to “DHDF” and marked “For the Anders Family Fund” in the memo field to: Danbury Hospital Development Fund, c/o The Anders Family Fund, 24 Hospital Avenue Danbury CT 06810.)