Beauty for the Cure

By Natalie Campos
What's Up

In the United States each year, 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. A few years ago, Rosie Barragan - a hair stylist at Barragan's Salon & Spa - became one of those women.

Rosie Barragan was lucky. With her team of doctors, she is now cancer-free. Family support also undoubtedly played a part in her recovery. Her sisters-in-law — Margie, Tencha, Terry and Yolie Barragan, owners of Barragan's — decided that together, they would do something to honor Rosie and the countless individuals affected by breast cancer.

"My sisters and I saw her going through all this, and we knew we just had to do something," said Terry Barragan. "We started thinking about all the other women who were going through this, and all those who didn't have the resources to pay for their treatment. We thought about the women without insurance. Luckily, Rosie did have insurance, but what about all the women who don't? And even with insurance, it didn't cover all her expenses."

The family's efforts culminated in the hosting of a fundraiser, "Beauty for the Cure" — now in its third year. The event, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the salon's new location at 690 South Mesa Hills, will offer a haircut (cut only), manicure and chair massage for $45. All proceeds will benefit the El Paso affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"(In past years), we've had a lot of customers who have told us their personal stories," said Tencha Barragan. "It's surprising how many people are affected by breast cancer — either through family members or they have gone through it themselves."

Last year's event raised $5,200. This year, organizers hope to raise at least $7,000. All participating stylists, massage therapists and nail technicians are volunteering their services and time, and come from salons across the city. Professionals from salons such as Barragan's, Hair Odyssey, Jacqui's Hair Salon and Segovia's Nail and Hair Studio will be involved in the event. Local businesses will be donating items and services for raffle drawings, including Tres Mariposas, Ardovino's and the Dutch Oven.

"It's so great to see the camaraderie and support within the industry and city," said Tencha Barragan. "It's nice for all of us to get together and do something positive."

Terry Barragan agreed.

"When you see someone you're close to going through something as tough as cancer, you can't believe it," she said. "You never think that something like this can happen to you or to someone you love. And when it does, it's a slap in the face. But this allows you do help, to do something. It's an amazing feeling."

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