Sister Supports Eleven-year Cancer Survivor

The stylists at the Royal Glamour Beauty Salon in Moreno Valley hosted their third annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Cut-A-Thon, an event that for the past three years has taken place on the last weekend of the month of September. All proceeds were donated to OASIS of Southern California, a non-profit organization that works towards educating and informing women and their families about ovarian cancer across the Inland Empire. The cut-a-thon hits home for salon owner Carmen Higareda, a stylist for eight years and the sister of Delia Zapien, now an 11-year ovarian cancer survivor. Higareda stated that she first decided to create the cut-a-thon and donate all the proceeds to OASIS because, when her sister was diagnosed at the age of 22, someone offered all the help and support Zapien needed at the time, without even knowing her. Higareda shared that she hopes by donating money to the organization every year, it will continue to grow and, hopefully, one day help find a cure for cancer. Every year, Higareda shared, she strives to offer more services at the cut-a-thons, like haircuts, hair dyes, raffles, and food plates to assist in getting to the salon’s yearly fundraising goal. Zapien said, “I feel very blessed that I am still here and that I can be an advocate for other women out there.” Zapien added that she has dedicated the past 11 years to spreading awareness of ovarian cancer throughout the Inland Empire through volunteer work for OASIS. She shared that she felt extremely proud that her sister has taken the time to host such an event and support women. Higareda shared that she feels driven to raise funds as a token of appreciation for the person who provided a strong support system for Zapien when she most needed it. Zapien shared that she is a proud survivor of ovarian cancer and is thankful that she stands strong today with the ability to share her journey in defeating this life-threatening disease. She advised women to listen to their symptoms and seek help before it is too late.