Many of you may have seen, from us or in the news, the announcement of Mary Roman's passing. Mary became a regular of hours, coming in for a shampoo, blow out and set or the occasional haircut, almost once a week. We were not surprised that she did not come in last week, given that she was 83, though hardly a frail woman. She was still an active track & field competitor, and the last time we spoke, we lamented that the hair show I was supposed to attend, and the track meet she was supposed to attend in New Orleans, were both cancelled as concerns around the virus grew.

What we didn't know was that her absence was due to a sudden hospitalization last Sunday. She had contracted coronavirus, and was diagnosed with COVID19. And then, we got word online that she had passed away on Monday night.

Given the circumstances with stay-at-home, restrictions against gatherings, and Mary's wishes, the family is faced with unusually high fees with regards to the handling of her remains and funeral costs. We called Michael, her son with whom she lived, to see what we could do to help, and he said the biggest burden right now are those expenses. So, we started a GoFundMe page for Mary.

Please, consider a donation or, if you can't afford one right now, please share on your social media and in your circle.

Thank you!

​"What I do, as a stylist, is defined by something I learned while studying at Paul Mitchell the School - that I'm a day-maker. Or, as a popular internet meme reads, 'Stylists touch more hearts than hair.'" Mendes continues, I find that it's not even the end result of the cut that makes the difference, it's when these people, who often feel forgotten or invisible, are touched by another human being and treated with dignity. I want my students to see each individual as an individual, worthy of respect. I want to give the people we volunteer for the opportunity to tell their stories, know that they are being heard, and that they are cared for. And it's important that my students see that, and it reminds me and my colleague to be grateful and humble. Someone once pointed out that we are all just 7 paychecks away from being homeless."

Mendes brought team member, Jessica Xhuti, of Watertown, CT, with her across the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge into Rockland County to join her. "I really enjoy doing this. I like to meet new people and learning their back history, what they've been through," as Xhuti explains why she is willing to drive 2 hours each way for this event. "I like to give back because not everyone has the same opportunities as I do, and I don't want to take anything for granted. So, the 2-hour drive is nothing to me in comparison." Xhuti is a four-time veteran of providing cuts for the homeless.

Between the two stylists, Yaffa Beauty by Rica attended to and pampered over a dozen individuals Tuesday night. Continuting to give back, Yaffa Beauty by Rica will be shaving heads at O'Neill's Irish Pub's St. Baldrick's Fundraiser from 3-7:30 on Saturday, March 9, 2019. For more information, go to https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/999737/2019.