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Eagle County Get Pretty For a Cure

One in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime according to breastcancer.org. It's no wonder that local salons spas and other businesses have lined up to be a part of "Get Pretty in Pink" an awareness and fundraising initiative that will support local women in need with breast screening and diagnostics at Shaw Regional Cancer Center.

"This October we want the ladies of Eagle County to get pretty and make a difference" said Kim Sharkey the director of development for Shaw Regional Cancer Center and a Get Pretty in Pink committee member. "Each of the 22 participating salons and spas are offering different ways to get involved including getting a pink hair streak spa treatments or even waxing so regardless of what you are into you can help."

Salons and spas from Eagle to Vail have signed up for the month-long initiative. Participating salons offer a fundraising opportunity and in return the Shaw Regional Cancer Center is giving each salon a free mammogram that can be given to an employee customer or friend in need.

'Kickin' cancer'
The Sonnenalp Breast Center at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society recommend women start annual mammograms at 40. If a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer such as a sister or mother then mammograms are recommended beginning 10 years prior to the age when the relative was diagnosed.

The Get Pretty in Pink team is also looking to thank those who have supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Supporters can visit Vail Valley Medical Center's Facebook page and post pictures of them supporting the fight against breast cancer. The photos will be entered into a drawing for spa and salon related prizes. Pictures might include someone getting a pink hair streak walking in a cancer walk or attending other breast cancer support events.

Salons and spas aren't the only ones supporting Get Pretty in Pink though. The Dusty Boot and Luigi's in Eagle have also stepped up. On Oct. 15 both restaurants will open their doors to the community donning pink "kickin' cancer" t-shirts and donate proceeds from lunch and dinner at the Dusty Boot and dinner at Luigi's. Additional companies rallying behind the cause include the Vail Daily KZYR "the Zephyr" NRC Broadcasting and Signature Signs.

"We are so thankful for the involvement and generosity of the community" said Peggy Carey vice president of oncology at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center. "With the community's help we can raise awareness and support for women who otherwise don't have access to care. Raising awareness and helping women get in a program for screening is important because the five-year survival rate for breast cancer detected early is 98 percent."

For a list of the participating salons and specials or more Get Pretty in Pink information visit www.shawcancercenter.com/getprettyinpink or www.facebook.com/vailmedical.