To celebrate two years cancer-free last March, Mendota Heights native and Visitation Alumnae Director Liz Hewitt organized a haircut-a-thon at Convent of the Visitation.

Wigs made from the donated hair were given to patients suffering medical hair loss through Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

For the event and her message of empowerment, Hewitt has been nominated for a “CLASSY Award,” billed as the largest philanthropic awards ceremony in the United States.

A Survivor's Message

When Liz Hewitt was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, she embraced being candid and communicating through her blog about the realities of her illness.

 “She kept her chin up,” said Visitation Communications Manager Jennifer Arriola. “She went through a lot that would have defeated someone with less class and less spirit.”

Now, as a breast cancer survivor, Hewitt communicates a new message—that women must take responsibility for their own health. While in the stylist's chair, Hewitt told students about the months of misdiagnoses and misguided advice that she persisted through before receiving her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

She also talks with Visitation students in their freshman health classes about paying attention to their bodies and learning to recognize and speak up when something isn't right.

Hewitt has been chosen as one of five finalists in the Volunteer of the Year category for the Midwest region. You can vote for Hewitt and others at the stayclassy.org website. Voting ends at 1:59 a.m. Central on Friday, July 27 (11:59 July 26 in Pacific time).

Regional winners will be announced July 31.

The CLASSY Awards Leadership Council will decide the final 16 winners based on merit and achievement. Winners will be announced at the Classy Awards Ceremony in San Diego in September.

See Also:

Mass-Style at Visitation Carries Message of Health Empowerment

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