PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN 6) — A local hair salon is helping woman feel better about themselves at a time when they need it most.
Connections Salon co-owner Najela Scott went through breast cancer treatment and surgery herself, and now wants to give back to others going through the same thing.
“I have three children and a career and your diagnosis blows your world up,” breast cancer survivor Heather Wolf told KOIN 6 News. “My husband was my biggest supporter.”
Wolf had a double mastectomy after her breast cancer diagnosis, and spent eight days recovering at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. She said the treatment took a toll on her appearance.
“You don’t look like yourself,” Wolf explained. “As a matter of fact, when the nurses finally washed my hair for the first time, they came in and said ‘you look so different!'”
Scott had the same experience five years ago. Her brother, who works as a hair stylist, knew exactly what to do.
“They took me to his salon and shampooed and blow-dried my hair,” Scott said. “I didn’t realize what a gift that was, a moment when you’re a regular girl again.”
When Scott moved her salon to NW Pettygrove, just blocks away from Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, she said she wanted all women being treated for breast cancer to also have the opportunity to feel like regular girls.
Now, the hospital sends breast cancer patients home with cards from Connections Salon offering free shampoos and blow-outs.
“I think this is what really makes the village complete with gifts like this for women,” Scott said.
Scott told KOIN 6 News the women don’t have to come into the salon the day they are released from the hospital — they can come whenever works best for them. They just started the service last month, and may extend the offer to other hospitals in the near future.