Operation: BeYoutiful to host gala to support women with hair loss

When going through a medical treatment, feeling positive can be hard. That's why Andi Palmar and her daughter Lauren Gerami founded Operation: Beautiful in 2014.

"What we do is we provide wigs to anyone going through any type of medically related hair loss. So, teenagers, women of all ages, in addition to the wig, we provide monthly meetups, spa treatments, house cleaning, meals, counseling services, yoga classes, essential oils. We really try to do an overall well-being package for them while they're going through their treatments and their individual journeys," Palmar explained.

They explained that on October 12, they're holding a Gatsby-themed gala fundraiser at the Richland Firehall, which will feature several speakers, including women who have been positively impacted by the program.

Gerami said, "We're hoping to raise enough money to handle our annual revenue this year. Our annual budget, everything goes to direct service for women. So, whether that's purchase of wigs, additional services to help them feel any sort of regaining of normalcy in their lives while they're going through treatment."

Palmar said that while Operation: BeYoutiful primarily serves women in Cambria and Somerset counties, the program is open to anyone willing to travel to the area. She added there will be several more fundraisers throughout the rest of the year.

"Providing the wigs to these women while they're going through this is just the first part of it. But the other items, the other products and services that we provide really touch on all of the different aspects of their needs and their desires," said Palmar.

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