A group of West Hartford women started the program to support adult cancer patients with free services at a local salon and day spa.

A sparkling cider toast by (left to right) Carey Penney, Paula Jacobs, and Barry Wixsom (massage therapist) at the Cut Out Cancer anniversary celebration. Submitted photo

Submitted 

The one-year celebration of “Cut out Cancer @Milano,” a monthly complimentary spa and support program for people undergoing cancer treatment, was celebrated at Milano Salon & Day Spa in Bloomfield on March 16, 2015.

The non-profit 501(c)(3) “Cut out Cancer” was established by Ronit Shoham, Rachel Marcus, Carrie Shaw, Ayelet Chozick, Sharon Conway, and Cindy Horowitz, a group of girlfriends, as a way of “making lemonade out of lemons” when one of the women was diagnosed with breast cancer. The organization holds activities for adult cancer patients on the second Monday of every month.

On March 16, more than 50 women joined the anniversary celebration as they participated in the typical complementary services offered each month: hair treatments, facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures. The actual spa services are provided by professionals who volunteer their time and are only one component of the overall service that is offered by the community of support that has evolved at “Cut out Cancer @ Milano.”

The atmosphere of caring is nourished by food donations from Lox Stock and Bagel in West Hartford for breakfast, and from Republic Restaurant in Bloomfield for lunch.

Lively discussions occur at the art therapy table, where participants can relax while creating jewelry or other craft projects. More importantly, perhaps, are the deep and meaningful discussions about treatment resources and coping mechanisms that are shared.

When asked what was the most significant part of her experience, one participant cited, “I feel so at home here. I don’t know how I would have coped with my treatments without Cut out Cancer. It was like a beacon of light for me every month. Even when I didn’t feel well, I pushed myself to come, and always felt so much better when I left.”

Mondays at Milano takes place on the second Monday of every month at Milano Salon & Day Spa, 41 Jerome Ave. in Bloomfield. For appointments, call 860- 242-4401. Additional information can be found at www.cutoutcancerct.org or www.facebook.com/cutoutcancerct.

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