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Before our doors opened May 2, 2005, I knew that one service in particular would be the hardest on everyone was going to be shaving women's hair. We decided to make it as comfortable, respectful and easy as we could. At Compassionate Beauty the service takes place in a private room with dimmed lights, flickering candles and soothing music playing.

For some it is a solo event, for others, family members offer support, and for a few, it is cause for parties with lemonade (when life gives you lemons, make lemonade) and wine. While little can change the most devastating side effect of chemotherapy, hair loss we decided to call it the Loving Head Shave, and follow it with a scalp massage in essence, easing our clients into their new reality in comfort.

Mom and I spent many hours together when we first opened the doors. She would sit and keep me company while few people knew about Compassionate Beauty. Each day you could see the pain in her eyes as she watched ladies come and go. One day a women stopped to give me a thank you hug, she smiled with tears in her eyes and said "Thank you so much for being here".

It was then that my mom understood the dream and the worthwhile goal to build Compassionate Beauty. For my number one fan, my mom, had finally seen the blessing it is to help someone with cancer.

Years later, and after so many ladies, when you think you have built that protective shield needed to do this, and still have enough compassion for your next appointment; a woman sits down in your chair, for her Loving Head Shave, smiles reassuringly and says "It's OK, I'm OK with it..." With my legs barely holding me up and my heart in my hands, I lovingly led my hair clippers around my moms' petite scalp.

To say it was the hardest day of Compassionate Beauty's history would be a lie. Unfortunately we have had many hard days, days where the disease wins and we lose someone special, someone's whose smile and courage touched our souls.

That ironic part of this story begins when Compassionate Beauty was just a dream of mine and I sold a business that I had grown and loved for over 15 years. I thought about what Compassionate Beauty would need and look like, and as I told my parents about my vision my parents, specially my mom tried to talk me out of it. "Why Saundra would you want to go back into all the work and heart ache that would surely be part of a store like that" Why don't you just stop working and enjoy your life?....

But, I knew my dream had heart and soul and was something that I simply had to bring to life. I needed to provide a way to help women get through the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and then follow them with the products and specialized services that they would want to help them lead a 'normal life'.

Unfortunately since my opening Mom has become my number one customer as well. With 3 cancers in 2 1/2 years, we all are living the importance of the dream. I'm happy to know that there's someone that can help and, with my mom's challenges, I'm grateful that it's me.

You see, that's the thing at Compassionate Beauty. We opened our doors because unfortunately there is a huge need for our products and services. We open our hearts because we "get" how unfair life just got, and we get to know ourselves even more as we share the path of many.

Survivor testimonials

Hi Saundra,

Just a quick note to thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for your wonderful encouragement and support today when I came in to buy a breast and bra. As this is all new to me, how do you think it felt to walk out of your store feeling like a whole person again? Well let me tell you, I did not think that it would have had as much of an impact on my self esteem as it did. I went to meet some friends for coffee after seeing you, and the look on my face must have told everyone that I am confident, healing and doing as well as can be 1 week after surgery, which I am. My friends I think were expecting me to only be showing one breast and when I looked as normal as always, I think they were pleasantly surprised.

I have already told some friends about what a wonderful set-up you have, so you should be seeing me soon again for some other beautifying treatments, and hopefully some other friends as well. I will also be going to a support group with some other women who have had recent mastectomy surgery on May 26, you can be certain that I will be tooting your horn at that gathering.

I hope every women like me knows that you are out there fighting breast cancer too!

Cheers,

It's been a year since I first wondered into 'Compassionate Beauty'. I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed, by diagnosis, by my "missing" breast, and by my pending chemo, radiation and hair loss.

However, thanks to the support and services you offered, my journey through breast cancer has been easier. I can't tell you how many compliments I had on my wig! I was able to go out in public with Confidence and security. The same can be said for the lingerie, bathing suits and breast forms I've purchased from you. I never felt conspicuous or frumpy! And--- it was wonderful to come into the spa and be pampered, knowing you understood my physical needs at the time.

Thank you for the warmth and the empathy you have extended me. You are truly Compassionate Beauties.

Hi Saundra,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how impressed I am that you have created such a special place for cancer patients. I read the article in the Herald and on-line at Global, and was moved enough to write. My sister, at age 35, died of a rare and aggressive form of cancer three years ago. I went through it all with her - the treatments and emotions were horrible enough, but then having to deal with all of the physical changes at the same time was extremely tiring, physically and emotionally. She spent so much time figuring out where to find wigs, could she go for massage, who could shave her head in private, and on and on. As you know, a private, compassionate and convenient haven such as your shop is, unfortunately, much needed. I'm sure that the people who use it also find comfort in meeting others who are experiencing the same challenges.

Good luck and thanks.

To the very special 'compassionate beauties' that really make a difference, Mom could not stop talking about how great her skin felt after her facial. Thank you!

Ovarian cancer opened my eyes to the little joys in life that I was either too busy or too frugal to indulge in. After my diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation, I decided I needed to say 'yes' more often. I needed to try to focus more on living in the moment. As a busy mother of three, I had primarily lived through everyone else, putting their needs before my own...and I did so willingly.

Now, after all the challenges of my cancer journey I have discovered my inner strength and my zest for life, and I have made a vow to treat myself better then I did when I thought I'd live forever. One of my best indulgences so far has been at "Compassionate Beauty"! After Angela's foot massage, relaxing pedicure and beautiful manicure, I felt uplifted and ready to take on the world again!

Thank you for unselfishly devoting your energy and time to make woman like me feel whole again. Your beautiful day spa celebrates my spirit and makes living in the moment a truly pleasurable experience.

Love and hugs,

Thank you for being my 'life-line'. You helped me face and live with some pretty tough things.

You have made this past year for me bearable, with many "ah-ha" moments that filled my heart with love & hope for the future, not only for me but for the other fabulous woman who came before and since me.

Thank you so much for all that you've done for me and all the woman whose lives you will touch with your amazing spirit-all my love.

You have a wonderful place, a huge heart and the warmth of many woman.

Dear Compassionate Beauty,

I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful services.

When I started to lose my hair from chemotherapy, I dreaded the idea of having to go to a regular salon to get my head shaved, also, I wig bank was definitely not for me for I did not want a used wig. Also, I wanted privacy. and there you were, with a wonderful and knowledgeable attitude. It was so meaningful for me and so less stressful, when I entered the doors of Compassionate Beauty.

Your concept is right on target. I need somewhere to go where the staff understands and I feel safe. And, what a wonderful idea you have, offering other services, such as massage and make-up consultation. I hope I am not sounding vain, but it makes a WORLD of difference that I look like me. In addition looking better makes me feel so much better and I believe that this gives me even more strength to beat this disease.

Thanks again,

It has been a great pleasure getting to know you a little the last few months. Thank you for all you do to make the lives of the survivors better!! You are a treasure!!

Thank you for your caring & compassionate services. I loved the wig and got many compliments on it. But also glad to be rid of it!! Hugs.

I Wanted to Thank you so very much for caring about how I am. You have changed my life for the better by helping me look and feel like myself again. Both of you are doing the work of angels.

Thank-you so very much for all of your support. Your spa is such a warm and loving place to come into. I never once felt discouraged. Thanks again, and all the best.

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