Women Raise Bucks, Go Nearly Bald for a Cure

Hairstylist Dana Wallace has shaved the heads of more than a few women.

In those cases, it's out of necessity, she said, as the women are in a fight for their lives—the fight against cancer.

But when Wallace switched spots Sunday, Dec. 18, she plopped into the chair at  and said to take it all off.

Wallace, of Midlothian, raised $2,500 (so far) as a contribution to the Relay for Life in June 2012. It began as a challenge to bring in $1,000, but she surpassed that goal by December. With the Chicago winter looming ahead, Wallace kept her word during a Dec. 18 Cut-a-Thon to benefit the relay, and left with significantly less hair.

"She looks great," said her boyfriend, Bob Angone. "Very sexy, actually."

The salon participates in the yearly relay as Team NicRic, but this year, owner Debbie Vernon decided to take it up a notch.

"We had to do more," Vernon said. "We have to find a way to raise money to find a cure."

Wallace's friend Pam Litko, of Posen, dedicated her newly buzzed head to her father, a cancer survivor, and her boss's son, who is currently battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Both said shearing their strands was an emotional experience—but for Litko, the tears came when a survivor sat alongside her.

"It means the world to me," Litko said, of showing her support with a shaved head.

Angone affectionately rubbed Wallace's clipped head, and said he admired the women's commitment to their cause.

"I supported her [Wallace] through the whole thing," Angone said. "They're very strong women."

Vernon watched Wallace, wide-eyed, after the shave. She couldn't believe Wallace would willingly go through with, she said.

But Angone could.

"It's kind of something she would do," he said, laughing. "She doesn't surprise me."