Marathon, haircuts to aid cancer fight

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and area businesses are doing their part to help in the fight.

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The Marshall Family Y and the ZTA sorority are teaming up for an aerobics and cycling marathon "Pink-Out Day" from 9-11 a.m. Friday at the Family Y, 4990 Washington Road, in Evans.

There is no fee to enter the mini-marathon, but donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The sorority will be selling pink ribbons for $1, and door prizes will be given away.

"This is such an important issue," said aerobics coordinator Nicky Colvin. "We have so many members whose lives have been touched in one way or another by breast cancer, either by their own experience or through a friend or loved one. Even for me personally; we just recently lost a beloved member of our church to breast cancer. It is tough stuff."

Colvin said she is alarmed at the number of women she talks to that are around her age, "in their 30s," who think they're too young to worry about breast cancer. "They think that they don't have to be concerned with it yet," she said. "But I warn them, it is never too early. Breast cancer can really strike at any age."

For more information on the "Pink-Out Day," call Shelly Wilson at (706) 922-9660.

Also in Evans, the Retreat Spa and Salon is having a special "Cut for a Cure" Day for walk-in customers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Spa manager Carlene Nelson said that for them, it's personal.

"We have many women who come in here that have been affected by breast cancer, and we want to do something to help," said Nelson. "We will be taking donations for free haircuts, nail services, waxing and chair massages. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society for the fight against breast cancer."

The "Cut for a Cure" special coincides with the spa's one-year anniversary, and Nelson said they are planning to hold the event every year at this time. Nelson added that she's also hoping that those with longer hair will show up for cuts that day and donate their hair to the "Locks of Love" program, where donated hair is used to make wigs for children and adults who have lost their own hair as a result of medical treatments.

Retreat Spa and Salon is located at 4246 Washington Road in Evans. For more information, call (706) 364-8292.