My Friend Ann 10 Years Later
I will never forget the day in April 10 years ago. I was driving and had to pull over when my friend Anne called me and told me that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was silent for a minute hearing those words from my friend. I remember saying, "it will be ok." I assured her that we would get her through this.
The day Anne's Daughter's had their hair done and I shaved Anne's head
I had known Anne since I was a child. We grew up down the street from one another. I had been Anne's hairdresser for more than 25 years at the time. I cut her husband's hair. I cut both of her daughter's hair. I knew her through all of her pregnancies and the loss of her parents. She attended my wedding when I got married.
Anne was one of the first people that I told about Hello Gorgeous!. I can't say that she completely understood what I wanted to do, but she supported me every chance she got.
I will never forget the day that we shaved her head. She and her daughters were all in the salon together that Saturday. Her girls were getting their hair done for prom. Ann looked at me and said, "It’s time." Her hair was falling out and she decided to shave her head.
I remember Ann being so brave and me not so much. I cried at the courage that it took for her to do that.
Anne's Before Picture the day of her makeover
Fast forward 6 months, October 2012. Anne's husband nominated her for a Hello Gorgeous! Makeover. I was so excited to do this for her. This was not an easy task as Anne had heard me talk about all the ways that we would get women to the exact spot that we needed them so that we could surprise them with a makeover. We had to be extra sneaky with her. I wanted my friend to feel like a queen for a day. We pulled it off and were able to surprise her at a salon in Elkhart, Indiana. Ann was treated to a head-to-toe makeover, complete with a new outfit. Then we gathered about 50 of her closest friends and family to show off her new look.
I loved seeing the glow that beamed through Ann. I believe that it was that day that she was truly able to embrace the work that I do through Hello Gorgeous!
Anne was a trooper through her entire treatment. She never complained and took everything in stride. I know that it was her faith that got her through.
Here is a quote from Anne’s Story that appears in our book I Promise to Put My Lipstick on When I Get There.
“It has been two years. What kind of survivor am I? Still working on that one. I would love to put a book together for folks going through chemo and radiation—the side effects and helpful hints you learn from others who have already been there and done that! I have also been honored to help Kim with a HELLO GORGEOUS instructional video on “My hair’s growing back. How do I style it?” God has blessed me with family and friends who have supported me. He has blessed me with healing and He has blessed Kim and Mike as well. It is truly their calling. We are all beautiful, we are HELLO GORGEOUS!”
– Anne
This last week my friend celebrated the 10th anniversary of her diagnosis. I am happy to report that she is thriving. Anne and her husband are now empty nesters and she is bushia to her 3 grandsons.
My friend continues to inspire me every day. She has a joy and a passion for life that makes me smile.
Congratulations Anne!!!!! Here is to 30 more great years!!!!
