Salon offering pink hair extensions for breast cancer awareness

NEW BERLIN -- It's not usually the color of choice when you go to get your hair done, but this month, pink is in. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hair & Body Solutions Salon & Spa in New Berlin is offering pink hair extensions to raise money for breast cancer research.

About five years ago, salon owner Dawn Panfil finished her final treatment for breast cancer. It was then she decided she wanted to help the countless women who find themselves diagnosed with the deadly disease.

"This is very emotional for me. It`s very near and dear to my heart," Panfil said.

Panfil began selling pink hair extensions at her salon -- Hair & Body Solutions Salon & Spa in New Berlin. The effort is called "Pink Possible."

All of the proceeds go to the Aurora Breast Health Funds program, which provides cancer programs and services for women who are uninsured or under-insured.

"People come in to honor a loved one or in memory of a loved one. They share great stories with us, and they shed tears with us," Panfil said.

With the help of Panera Bread, Hair & Body Solutions has raised more than $200,000 over the last four years.

Panfil says the pink hair also opens a dialogue and encourages women to get a regular mammogram.

"People will ask 'where did you get the pink' and 'why is it the pink?'  I`ll tell them it`s a breast cancer statement," breast cancer survivor Nancy Schanke said.

Each pink hair extension costs $15 and they will be offered through the end of the month.