“On a rare rainy day in LA, our wonderful Beauty Bus volunteers were working hard to brighten the gloom for the patients and caregivers staying on the oncology floor at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Set up in a conference room, bright shades of nail polish, glittering lip gloss sparkles, and the sound of soft giggles soon replaced the grey of clouds and the pitter-patter of raindrops on the high hospital windows.
While a small group of young girls debated the perfect shade of pink for their nails, moms relaxed into a soothing facial – the tension falling away from their shoulders, and two dads chatted quietly as they received a much-need trim. Here in the relaxed quiet of the temporary salon, it was easy to see the happy families joyful for a moment to just be, without the stress of the uncertainties that lie ahead.
One mother, Khadijah, shared, “My daughter was admitted to the Children’s Hospital due to complications from her brain tumor. I met some members of the Beauty Bus team while they were at the hospital and was given a bag filled with personal care items.” Allowing the pampering to continue even after their beauty services, each family that visits the pop-up salon is given a Bag of Beauty filled with hand-picked product to take with them and enjoy.
“The items were very useful and appreciated,” Khadijah continued. “The store in the hospital is not open on weekends and some parents don’t have anyone to bring them necessary items. Not everyone understands the struggles that caregivers are faced with. We appreciate what you do and look forward to supporting this organization.”
Khadijah’s kind words remind us of the reason Beauty Bus was founded and what motivates all we do each day. Loving kindness, support, and compassion will always be at the heart of the Foundation and we are grateful to be able to share that with our clients, volunteers, donors, and the entire amazing community that has grown around us!”