
Outside of the arena of painting and art, something has been weighing deeply on my mind. I found out, just a few short weeks ago, that one of the sweetest people that I know is diagnosed with breast cancer. I feel helpless. I hate feeling helpless. What can you do when you’re given information like this? What do you say (or not say)?
My friend’s name is Crystal Gray and she’s currently at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Arizona. While I’ve watched her Facebook page for updates, I’ve also tried to keep in touch, without overstepping.
I’ve never been through this. What’s the protocol when a dear friend is diagnosed with Cancer? Crystal is receiving incredible support from her family and friends, along with excellent medical care from the staff at CTCA. She is being so positive and strong, and I admire her for that.
My friend’s name is Crystal Gray and she’s currently at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Arizona. While I’ve watched her Facebook page for updates, I’ve also tried to keep in touch, without overstepping.
I’ve never been through this. What’s the protocol when a dear friend is diagnosed with Cancer? Crystal is receiving incredible support from her family and friends, along with excellent medical care from the staff at CTCA. She is being so positive and strong, and I admire her for that.

I’ve been slightly stressed that my hair is getting way out of control and badly needs a cut. How does this relate you ask? Crystal is my Hair Stylist EXTRAORDINAIRE, and the only person who is allowed to touch my hair. During one of our recent chats Crystal gave me a reference to another Stylist, but I just couldn’t get myself to make the call.
Today we found out that Crystal’s surgery went well and that she will not be going through Chemo after all. (I'm so relieved). But the fight is not over.
In light of what she and her family have been going through my hair and hairstyling seems trivial as hell, so I’ve decided to not have my hair cut by anyone else, and wait until Crystal is healthy and cancer free.
I’ve also decided that when that time comes to cut my hair I will donate it to The Pantene Beautiful Lengths program.
“Beautiful Lengths is a partnership between Pantene® and the American Cancer Society®, the largest nonprofit health organization committed to saving lives from every cancer and improving the quality of life for people facing the disease. The role of Pantene is to help women grow long, strong, beautiful hair and to provide the funds to turn this hair into free, real-hair wigs for women with cancer. So far, Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country.”
The more quickly we get our Crystal back, the shorter my hair will be!
Please send good vibrations and prayers for Crystal’s speedy recovery as she kicks Cancer’s ass.
-Kim
Today we found out that Crystal’s surgery went well and that she will not be going through Chemo after all. (I'm so relieved). But the fight is not over.
In light of what she and her family have been going through my hair and hairstyling seems trivial as hell, so I’ve decided to not have my hair cut by anyone else, and wait until Crystal is healthy and cancer free.
I’ve also decided that when that time comes to cut my hair I will donate it to The Pantene Beautiful Lengths program.
“Beautiful Lengths is a partnership between Pantene® and the American Cancer Society®, the largest nonprofit health organization committed to saving lives from every cancer and improving the quality of life for people facing the disease. The role of Pantene is to help women grow long, strong, beautiful hair and to provide the funds to turn this hair into free, real-hair wigs for women with cancer. So far, Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country.”
The more quickly we get our Crystal back, the shorter my hair will be!
Please send good vibrations and prayers for Crystal’s speedy recovery as she kicks Cancer’s ass.
-Kim