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The Fourth Recipient Of Support For A Hairstylist From The Jill Foundation Was Adriana Lopez
In July 2012 my world came to a sudden halt. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although I’d had a mammogram only a year earlier, I was now faced with the horrible reality of having cancer and what that meant. It was certainly a life-altering moment, and the journey I embarked on from that day forward has been one of tremendous emotional stress, many ups and downs, uncertainties, turning to my faith, and finding the strength to persevere not knowing what the future holds and how I will survive. |
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I am 56 years old. I have been a hairstylist for nearly 40 years. I began my career as a stylist at 17 years of age and have worked in this industry non-stop ever since. I am single, live alone, and support myself. I have supported myself since my husband’s sudden death in 2001.
I have managed to successfully maintain my home and financial obligations, but now I am faced with a challenge I don’t know I will be able to overcome. I currently rent a station at the Amore Salon located in Laguna Niguel, where I have worked for many years. Due to my cancer diagnosis, I have had to cut back on my work schedule. I can no longer conceivably keep working at the pace and rate that I have kept for the past several decades. On December 30, 2013, I underwent a partial mastectomy. I had to stop working altogether to recover from the surgery and allow myself to recover and regain my strength. |
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Unfortunately, the results of my first surgery now require that I undergo a second surgery. I am also preparing for a PET scan, as cancer was found in my lymph nodes. My second surgery will be on February 25th, and I will need to be away from work for another 3-4 weeks.
Also following the surgery I will be receiving radiation treatments for a period of 7 weeks. Recovering from that second surgery and undergoing radiation five days a week for seven weeks means that I will be unable to work, and if I don’t work, I am unable to maintain my home. Essentially I am faced with a financial crisis. I do not have any other source of income. I do not have disability insurance nor children or family members that can support me. I am facing both a financial and health crisis. I consider myself very fortunate to have learned about your foundation and the resources it provides to hairstylists in crisis. With sincere gratitude and appreciation, Adriana.
Also following the surgery I will be receiving radiation treatments for a period of 7 weeks. Recovering from that second surgery and undergoing radiation five days a week for seven weeks means that I will be unable to work, and if I don’t work, I am unable to maintain my home. Essentially I am faced with a financial crisis. I do not have any other source of income. I do not have disability insurance nor children or family members that can support me. I am facing both a financial and health crisis. I consider myself very fortunate to have learned about your foundation and the resources it provides to hairstylists in crisis. With sincere gratitude and appreciation, Adriana.