Join Our Team of Maxim Pink Ladies and "Show Your Strength" in Support of National Breast

At the salon it's not uncommon to hear the words "breasts," "boobs," "mammograms," or sadly even "cancer." We are a staff of women and most of the clients who walk through the door each day are women. We talk and connect about very personal things and know that everyone has a story to tell about how they or someone they love has been directly affected by breast cancer.

That’s why through the month of October—National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—we are hosting our Show Your Strength program to increase awareness of the importance of early detection through self-exams and mammograms and raise funds for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for local research and education.

Did you know that more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer across the United States this year and that approximately 43,000 will die as a result of being afflicted with the disease? No? We didn't either. We didn't realize it was still so prevalent. We also didn't know that so many women were still NOT getting their annual mammograms. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 13 million American women in the 40 years of age or older range have never had a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.

WHAT?!?!?!?! 13 million!?!?!?!? WHY?!?!?! Mammograms save lives. In fact, if breast cancer is detected early, 95 percent of those diagnosed would live.

At Maxim, we've created a culture of women supporting women and we want to be a part of the effort that reminds people why mammograms are so important and why your lives matter. So we've started calling ourselves the Maxim Pink Ladies -- Yes! We've self-ambassadorized (hmmm... pretty sure that's not a real word) ourselves and double Yes!! This is a nod to the movie Grease and many of our childhood fantasies of being Sandy and telling Danny Zuko to "Tell me about it stud!" -- but most importantly we’re on a mission to help spread the word about early detection for breast cancer and also provide services to help women feel pampered, cared for, and renewed.

For people who come to Maxim during the month of October, you can participate in the Show Your Strength program in a number of ways:

• Purchase a bright pink hair extension for $15 or a Maxim Signature pedicure for $75 and ALL PROCEEDS will be donated locally to BCCR. The Maxim Signature pedicure includes exfoliation, removal of calluses and rough areas, cuticle work, buffing, shaping of nails, purifying foot mask & paraffin, hot towels, and an extended massage and polish. For people who purchase a Signature pedicure, they will also receive a FREE manicure.

• Take their best girl power pose by the bright pink Maxim courage wall and share their stories and tributes about the powerful women in their lives on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

• Women are encouraged to use the handles: @BCCROCH and @maximspa_salon, and hashtags: #BreastCancerAwareness, #mammogram, #earlydetection, #BCCROCH, #MaximShowYourStrength, #MaximPinkLadies, and #MaximSpa&Salon.

Our crew of Pink Ladies will also be offering a Show Your Strength Day of Pampering at the salon. Designed for those currently fighting cancer and for survivors, people can enter themselves for a chance to win, or be nominated, by visiting the salon’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/maximspaandsalon. The day of pampering will include a facial, manicure and pedicure.

LISTEN UP LADIES: The stats say that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. When I look around the salon, I realize it could be any of us at any time. That's scary and sad to me. So let's give ourselves and those we love the best chance by getting our mammograms!

As part of our Show Your Strength program, you'll see that we'll all be wearing pink buttons that say things like “I do regular breast self-examines;” “I’m getting my first mammogram before I turn 40;” “When is your next mammogram?” Let's talk about it! Let's talk about what your doctor says to do versus mine. Let's talk about why we do or don't like the idea of it. Let's get passed any fear together.

Please come visit the salon in October and Show Your Strength!

You can book your pink hair extension and Signature pedicure appointments by calling 585.256.0838.

We are women, hear us ROOOOOAAAARRRR!!!!!!! Now cue the music and all of us riding off up into the clouds with John Travolta in his flying car singing "Ram-ah-lama-ah-lama-ka-ding-it-hee-ding-dee-dong...." :)