Women with heart disease treated to day of beauty

In recognition of February being American Heart Month, women who have heart disease were given free makeovers by Christie & Co. Salon – Spa on Monday, January 30th.
Five members of a support group through “WomenHeart,” a program from The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, were given the makeovers. The idea for the event came from a letter Queens Coordinator and Briarwood resident Debra Tillis, who has been a customer of the salon for about three years, sent to Lois Christie, the salon’s owner.
“Because I like the way my hair is done, I thought ‘I’m going to ask Lois.’ Right away she said ‘I think that’s a fantastic idea,’” said Tillis, who has heart disease as well as breast cancer.
Throughout the day, the women were treated to consultations, haircuts, coloring and styling as well as makeup, along with tips to use for the future.
Senior Stylist Yaffa Lieberman, Senior Stylist Michael Vicari, Esthetician Helen Unda, Makeup Artist Wendy Wang and Senior Colorist Lorraine Taglioni all volunteered their services to help the women, with some even coming in on their day off.
“I thought we should get involved,” Christie said. “We’re always involved in the community in any way we can help.”
These makeovers mean a great deal to the women who get them, all of whom have heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among women.
“I thought this would be so nice for women who have heart disease because after a heart event you’re so depressed and you don’t feel good,” Tillis said. “This makes you feel pretty.”
“I just know when you make someone over who has had an illness…they just feel so much better,” said Christie, who has been close with people who have heart problems.
One woman who spent the day getting pampered was Sylvia Rackow. In 1990, she had a heart attack and was told that she needed triple-bypass surgery. About 13 years after the surgery, Rackow had to get five heart stents because two of the bypasses had closed.
During her “day of beauty” at the Bayside salon, Rackow’s hair color was darkened and highlights were added as part of her new look.
“When we left we were all smiling,” she said of the experience. “It was the kind of experience that a woman loves. It was just really wonderful to spend a day there, be pampered (and) turn from a frog into a princess.”
Christie said that she was very happy to provide these makeovers.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “They all have such a positive outlook and are excited about having their new looks.”
For information on heart disease and WomenHeart, visit www.womenheart.org or www.hearthealthywomen.org.