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SANDY — At the Sanctuary Salon in Sandy, talk of the perfect hair length, cut and style are often the topics of the day.
That's just fine with Melanie Martinez, a mother of five.
"My initial diagnosis made me realize life is short," said Martinez.
She has breast cancer and 17 days after her treatment began she began losing her hair.
"When you lose your hair you kind of lose a piece of your confidence," she said.
That's why Martinez and five other cancer patients are the day's most valued customers. The youngest of the group is just 11.
"We all share this disease," she said. "Nobody signed up to join this club, but unfortunately, we're all a part of it."
They're all receiving custom fit wigs made of real hair, makeup and an outfit that isn't a hospital gown.
"It will be nice to look normal and feel normal," she said.
There was no talk of chemo, surgery or medicine, just the anticipation of showing off their new looks to their biggest fans.
"I don't know exactly what's going on out there yet," said Martinez as she talked about the growing crowd outside the salon. "I'm super excited for my husband, family and friends to see me."
As the six women round the corner, they're greeted by shouts of encouragement, cheers and even a few tears.
Although all the women have a long road ahead, on this night, the road doesn't seem so impossible.
"I won't give up," said Martinez. "I will continue this fight for as long as it takes."
KSL is supporting the 2015 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. If you would like to participate or donate, visit its website.
