When cancer threatens the lives and well-being of women everywhere, it's shining stars, such as salon owner, stylist and dynamic TV personality Martino Cartier, who can truly make a difference. Cartier's philosophy, vision and passion for helping those in need are what fueled the founding of Maryanne and Friends - a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide women undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, free access to wigs, wig styling, extensions and other beauty treatments.
Maryanne and Friends was established in honor of Cartier's dear friend Maryanne McCormack, a salon owner and industry icon that was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009. Cartier was deeply touched and inspired by Maryanne's courageous battle and triumph over this devastating disease. Through watching Maryanne cope with the treatment and recovery process, Cartier realized how many other women also needed the opportunity to gain control over their appearance and boost their confidence while undergoing treatment.
Maryanne and Friends represents a consortium of beauty industry leaders, salon owners and stylists who are 100% committed to donating hair replacement and styling services. "My mission is to have stylists and salon owners worldwide never charge a woman going through treatment for any services," says Martino Cartier.
Impacting Lives
"When I first spoke about Maryanne and Friends at Premiere Orlando, there were 5,000 hairdressers crying, clapping and cheering. It was then that I knew that Maryanne and Friends would catch on like wildfire," reveals Cartier.
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| Martino Cartier |
In fact, many topnotch companies have joined the Maryanne and Friends crusade. P&G Salon Professional has generously pledged $20,000 to Maryanne and Friends and $10,000 of that donation was allocated specifically for the launch, helping to take Maryanne and Friends from concept to reality.
Paul Mitchell generously donated $10,000 to sponsor the Disney Vacation Giveaway, which enables moms and their children to experience the magic of Disney together. To date, Maryanne and Friends has more than 30 distributors on board from the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Egypt and beyond. It has also gained the support of every major product line.
Cartier also tapped the talent of country singer/songwriter/recording artist Liv Devine, who wrote an uplifting song about Maryanne and Friends. Currently downloadable on iTunes, all proceeds benefit Maryanne and Friends and go directly toward funding the purchase of new wigs.
"I've watched so many women come into the salon bruised and battered. They cry and show me pictures of their kids and they tell me that they just want to look like their children's moms again," says Cartier. "Changing their lives through Maryanne and Friends has been the biggest accomplishment. It allows me to fly without wings."
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Blog by Michelle Peranio on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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| Martino and Michelle |
"I received a very special gift on Monday-something I had given up on because every time I made a call or reached out, a door closed on me. Martino Cartier and Maryanne and Friends made it possible for me to get a wig, but also to take control of my cancer.
"I called many salons to see if they had programs to help breast cancer patients ease their transition to hair loss and to my surprise, nobody offered any help, but they told me I could buy one or special-order one. When I called the programs that specifically help cancer patients, I was told they had a limited quantity on hand and were giving them to patients without insurance. Another salon that was on a list of providers didn't give me the time or day or an opportunity to explain what I was looking for.
"I believe in what Martino and Maryanne and Friends is doing. Because of them I was able to shave my head and get a beautiful wig. My only hope is that more salons will help cancer patients with hair loss. I am forever grateful to Martino Cartier! He helped me feel beautiful again!"
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