Showing they care

Two Spokane Valley business owners want to share their mission in hopes that others will join them.

Their goal is multifaceted, really: remain open and keep their young businesses vibrant enough to continue their commitment to providing free services to local women with cancer. They also hope others join the support network.

“There’s nothing we won’t do for these women,” said Master’s Touch Salon owner Beatta Dire. “It’s my passion.”

Dire opened her salon two years ago following the death of her mother, who suffered from cancer.

Despite the economy, Dire’s salon grew into a full service salon to include hair, nail and massage therapy among the services. Her clients dealing with cancer are referred to her by a local American Cancer Society resource center.

“Our team provides nice wigs, massage throughout their chemo process – hair care including removing their hair – manicures, pedicures, facial and permanent eyebrows to be put on when they are released by their physicians,” said Dire. “This is about giving women their dignity. Helping them feel beautiful despite what they are going through.”

Linda Huseby, a licensed cosmetic laser tech, donates her time on her day off from her regular job to provide facials at the salon for women with cancer.

Dire also is joined by her friend and co-owner of Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant, Mel Kupcow. Kupcow and her husband, Tony, provide free meals to cancer patients and their families following surgeries.

Dire and Kupcow agree there is a great need to provide these services to the women in part to show support and care from the community. Both say it’s important to not let the women become isolated. Many can no longer work because of their illness and many have no insurance.

They’re also hopeful that potential customers will consider patronizing their businesses in recognition that keeping them vibrant and open will continue the support services.

Dire connected with Cherie Dean, a cancer resource navigator with the American Cancer Society, after happening on a large number of new wigs and wanting to help women.

“She has been such a wonderful help for our patients,” Dean said of Dire. “And all the people who work with her donate their services. They are wonderful.”

Donating to the American Cancer Society funds many aspects of the foundation, and items donated locally can be distributed locally. Gas cards, Dean said, are greatly needed for routine medical appointments.

Those with licenses in such fields as yoga, massage, tai chi or others that compliment Western medicine can offer services. Others needing guidance on how to help can call Dean. And as another example, she says a pottery painting group routinely donates mugs that are used as gifts from the community when someone finishes six weeks of radiation therapy.

“I think it’s exciting if we can help people within our own community,” Dean said. “It’s like holding their hand for a moment and saying, ‘I care.’ “

Dire agrees.

“I’ll pray with them, talk about their cancer. Or help them forget about it for a while while they are here,” she says.