Popular Los Gatos hairstylist Laura Young was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Pleomorphic Liposarcoma.
Without health insurance, the mother of two is facing insurmountable debt after being hospitalized at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for a long period of time preventing her from work, according to lifelong friend Carol Osofsky.
Osofsky, who manages in Los Gatos, explained Young lacks health insurance because she suffers from asthma, a condition that has made it difficult to get proper medical coverage for years.
To help Young pay for her medical and living expenses, Take Action! Santa Cruz Children's Charities, Inc. is planning a fundraiser 4-8 p.m., Monday, July 16 at , 208 Bachman Ave.
The popular Irish pub will be donating its space and staff time for the event because co-owner Chris Benson knows Young and considers her a friend, said Osofsky.
Young, 52, has had three surgeries to date. The first procedure removed most of the tissue from her lower left leg. She then underwent two reconstructive surgeries. She has also not been able to work since April, when she received the sad diagnosis.
The last salon she worked at in Los Gatos was. The owner of , Jackie Castro, who's a cancer survivor, is also helping Young offering space at her business to keep her equipment until she can work on a regular basis, Osofsky said.
Young has also worked at Virtues, Buzz and salons.
Young is facing more cancer treatment and radiation as soon as her surgery heals. She also lost her house and held a garage sale to liquidate its contents, Osofsky added.
Young spends her time at various doctors’ appointments and physical therapy relearning how to walk. She spends much of her day in a wheelchair, Osofsky added.
The following message from Young's "lotsa helping hands" site posted after she was discharged from VMC shows that despite her difficult medical prognosis, she had not lost her sense of humor and amazing spirit, Osofsky said.
"What do ya know?? The monkeys are letting me out of the zoo today! Feels scary and daunting. Wheelchairs, ramps, reading signs from 4 ft high, are my arms strong enough? The bathroom???? OMG!!! After 30 days of nurses, 5 staff members to help me shower, well here goes....thank you everyone at Valley Medical for saving me. Most of all thank you for the love and support from every prayer, cards, blow drys and curling, nighties that reminded me I am a girl, visits, lunches, dinners, coffee mochas, jamba juices, beautiful flowers, balloons, skittles, stupid water drinks, hair products and most of all. Thank you for your love. When I feel weak your love gives me strength, when I am scared your love gives me courage. It’s all far from over but I am looking forward to our first dance. :)"
The fundraiser will include cocktails, food, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person and include two glasses of wine or beer and appetizers. Space is limited and tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Beauty Solutions at 1-888-973-7546.
Those who can't attend the fundraiser and would like to make a donation, can do so by calling the same number. Details: Julie Cunha, 408-398-1000.
