HairToStay, a 501(c)3 is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income cancer patients afford scalp cooling, will present beloved beauty industry icon Sydney Berry with the Cooler Heads Prevail Award at their annual gala, on October 9, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in San Francisco. Berry will be honored for her work, leadership and advocacy for scalp cooling, the process that can dramatically reduce hair loss during life-saving chemotherapy.
Cooling the scalp during chemotherapy with a special cold cap or automated cooling system is thought to prevent hair loss by affecting two cellular processes: (1) Blood flow to hair follicle cells is reduced, therefore exposing them to less chemotherapy medications, and (2) the rate of cellular metabolism is slowed, thereby reducing the effect of whatever chemotherapy medication is present. Unfortunately, it is usually not covered by health insurance.
“With hairdressers on the front lines as counselors, trusted confidantes and haircare experts performing chemo cuts and head shaves to support their clients who are battling cancer, it makes perfect sense for the Professional Beauty Industry to rally behind HairToStay,” says Berry, a cancer warrior and HairtoStay ambassador. “I am passionate about ensuring that stylists understand that this life-changing option is available so they can educate their clients, and helping to raise funds so that any patient has the financial resources to choose scalp cooling in conjunction with their cancer treatment.”
By receiving this award, Berry, who has worked in the beauty industry for 50 years as a stylist, salon owner, distributor, advocate, and is current chair of the Professional Beauty Association, is asking the Professional Beauty Industry to support HairToStay’s efforts by raising awareness and funds. All monies raised during this campaign will be used to create The Sydney Berry Fund within HairToStay to subsidize younger women (40 and under) within the haircare and beauty industry who would otherwise be unable to afford scalp cooling.
Sponsors to date include Kevin.Murphy ($10,000); Sebastian International Founders John and Geri Cusenza ($5,000); and Babe Hair Extensions, MoroccanOil and Salon Services Pro ($2,000). Also sponsoring are Beauty Craft; Beautyscope LLC; Bosley MD; Brazilian Professionals; CONFETTI CROWN, A Salon; Evolve Salon Systems; Henry Simmons Salon; L’ANZA Healing Color & Care; Lisa Power Salon; LOMA Beauty; Phagans Cosmetology Colleges; Progressions Salon Spa Store; Qnity; Salon Services Group and Sweis, Inc. Professional Beauty Supply.
Since its founding in 2016, HairToStay has awarded subsidies to more than 3,800 patients in all 50 states, and has never denied an eligible patient. To support HairToStay, contribute to the Sydney Berry Award, attend HairToStay the Club Fugazi Way, or apply for assistance, contact noah@hairtostay.org. visit www.hairtostay.org.