Here is our story and how it came to be -Kimberly Hoogendoorn
On November 30th 2010 my uncle, who is LURE Salon's co-owner, was diagnosed
with leukemia. When a loved one is suddenly faced with the diagnosis of a blood
cancer, you desperately want to hear that there is hope and that a treatment is available.
We are so grateful for the Hematology Research and Clinical Trial Unit and their
commitment to provide patients with the newest and most effective treatments available.
Without this my Uncle Dan wouldn't be here with us.
We are so blessed that Dan Nguyen is healthy so we decided that we would get
involved and give back. For the past two years LURE Salon team have hosted a
“Cut for the Cure” and raised over $30,000. This year we want to get more people
involved and raise even more awareness about blood cancers in Vancouver.
We will be spearheading the first annual “Beautify Me Vancouver” and this will run
from April 15-20th, 2013. The concept will be similar to Dine out Vancouver,
but with salon/spa services instead of food! This is a battle Dan and many
others continue to wage against blood cancers and without the support of people
like you, their recovery would not be possible.
April 15-20th are the dates set for Beautify Me Vancouver - a fundraising campaign being championed by Lure Salon. It opens with a fabulous Gala Ball at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on the 15th and then continues in the salon through the 20th with a menu of special services. 25% of proceeds will go to the Hematology Research and Clinical Trial Unit for Leukemia and Lymphoma at Vancouver General Hospital. But before I give you more information on how to be involved, I want to take a moment to share the incredible personal story behind the founding of this event. It all starts with salon co-owner Dan Nguyen.
Dan's Story - Nguyen had been feeling off his game for almost a year, but blamed being tired on the incredible schedule he kept. There were 12 plus hour days, mentoring of his young staff at Lure Salon, trips to NYC-Paris-Milan to work with his mentor – Oribe – at high profile shows. Of course he was tired! Then one day at a creative shoot he stuck his finger with a bobby pin and it didn't stop bleeding for hours. The day he was diagnosed with Leukemia, he even went to work out with a personal trainer as he thought he just needed to sweat it out. “This has always worked for me all through my entire 25 years career. I have never called in sick and always worked through everything. Until that day, I'd always pushed and pushed my limits.”
The journey through treatment and recovery came with many lessons.
Nguyen is now trying to learn to listen to his body and feels
tremendous gratitude for family, friends and work as he has been
buoyed by their strong support. And he will always be grateful for
the amazing, consistent and dignified care he received from the
doctor's and nurses at VGH. He shares, “The experience has taught
me so much and has rocked me to the core. It has brought a lot of
positives to the forefront and the realization of having to accept
life's limitations. I'm so grateful to be alive and feel it's my duty to bring awareness
and raise money for VGH Blood Cancers Research.“
Kim's Story - Hoogendorn still remembers the day the phone call came as clearly as if it was yesterday. "It was early morning and I was working out at the gym. I almost fell off the treadmill. All I could remember thinking was this just isn't possible. Uncle Dan had always been a huge role model in my life and such a STRONG person." Although shock set it, there were things to be done. Working on autopilot she began calling his clients to cancel appointments and share the news. Then it was time to head to the hospital. Family and a very supportive medical team were crucial during the coming months. "I'm so fortunate to have such a loving and close knit family. There was a distinctive aroma on the Leukemia floor - home cooked Vietnamese food made by my Aunt Soung and incredible Ba Ngoai (grandmother) which helped us deal with the long hours at the hospital." Staff at the salon stepped into hyperdrive to make sure all Nguyen's worries were dealt with. While on the ward, Hoogendorn became aware that specialized units like the one helping her uncle were often shut down for lack of funding. This drove her to start researching how to give back. In 2011, the first Lure Salon Cut for the Cure raised $13,000 for the Hematology Research and Clinical Trials Unit at VGH. In 2012 the total was a whopping $17,000.
The kick-off opening gala on April 15th will be an evening full of fashion, dance, drinks and fun. Included in your entry fee is a first drink of choice and some delicious appies. From April 16th - 20th, Beautify Me Vancouver moves into the Lure Salon. Based on the Dine-out format, stylists are offering a "MENU" of services to choose from with 25% of proceeds being donated to the charity. Bookings fill up quickly, especially if you have a favourite stylist, so it's important to get your appointment scheduled early by calling 604-669-5878. Unable to attend? The salon has sent up a donation page on the VGH website - just click HERE. Lure's fundraising goal this year is $13,000 and I know this dedicated team will meet their goal - especially with your support.
For more information or to book one of the Beauty Me Vancouver menu appointments, just call the salon at 604-609-5878. Want to read more on Dan Nguyen's amazing career, check out my previous article on the talented artist calle Passion and Perseverance.
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| Cut for the Cure 2011 |
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