By Sharon Crane, Front Desk Coordinator, Salon Emage Day Spa and her daughter Kylie.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disease that affects almost 100,000 people in the world. We are building more awareness to help researchers find a cure. This disease is very close to us here at Salon Emage as my beautiful youngest daughter is affected by it.” – Mom, Sharon Crane of Salon Emage Day Spa

Ashley Applies Cystic Fibrosis Blue hair extensions

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Extensions are attached. Next a trim, then...

Day to Day Life of Kylie Crane (Cystic Fibrosis Patient)

“I was diagnosed when I was eight months old. I don’t know life any differently because I have had it for all that I can remember. I do not see myself as being any different than my friends. I just have to take a little more steps in getting ready for my day. I wake up in the morning and do my nebulizer and respiratory treatments. Before I eat each meal I take seven pills to help me digest my food. I have to drink lots of fluids and eat fatty foods through out my day. I go to school, go skating, hang out with my friends, play soccer, and I am a cheerleader. At night, I repeat my morning treatments before I go to bed. I am now fourteen years old and finishing up my eighth grade year at Cedar Lee Middle School. Although inside I may be different from everyone else, I see myself as being the same.”

Salon Emage Day Spa hair stylists, Ashley Gray, applies SoCAP hair extensions to Kylie’s Hair to celebrate Richmond’s Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Salon Emage Day Spa helps groups raise money for their cause by doing hair extensions in that groups color; a portion of the proceeds goes back to the group. Colored extensions are also a great way to raise awareness for a cause or event, because people will see the extensions and ask why you are wearing them.

Done! Kylie looks great and brings beautiful attention to her cause!