When Stephanie Karr first heard the story of Breanna Coleman, she felt like it was the story of her life. Both Karr and Breanna have osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare disease that causes their bones to break. Also known as Brittle Bones, Breanna has broken 37 bones from activities as simple as pulling a Band Aid off her arm.
Karr has been luckier with the disease. She has only broken three bones. Regardless, Karr lives every day with caution. Just like Breanna.
Identifying so closely with Breanna, Karr decided to organize a cut-a-thon April 1, at the Artistry Salon and Spa. In addition to haircuts, the event will feature a bake sale and raffle prizes, including restaurant gift certificates and a $300 prize basket with a flat iron, spa services and beauty products.
More than 20 hairdressers are volunteering for the event. Focus 4 Beauty students also are joining in to do nails, prep and shampoo clients, and more.
“This is our gift,” Karr said. “This is what we love to do. We’re just so excited for the event.”
All proceeds will go to help Breanna with her medical bills. To date, she has had 14 surgeries, and her most recent surgery will help straighten her back.
“Everything in her story just hit home with me,” Karr said.
Karr broke both her femurs before age 3. Still, Karr dared to play like the child she was — even rollerblading. But at 11, she broke her hip. From age 3 to 21, Karr was a patient at Shriners Hospital for Children. Now, Breanna makes that same trip from Plant City to the Tampa hospital.
Coleman has been receiving pamidronate IV treatments to help strengthen her bones. Although the Shiloh Charter School student is confined to a wheelchair for now, she enjoys everything a normal 12-year-old does.
“It helps to put a face to the cause,” Karr said. “We just take for granted the things we have. It’s so good to give back.”
Breanna will be present at the event. Karr can’t wait to meet her.
“I hear she’s such a little diva and so upbeat,” Karr said.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
CUT-A-THON
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; April 1
WHERE: The Artistry Salon and Spa; 1505 S. Alexander St.
CONTACT: For raffle tickets, contact Stephanie at (813) 777-5306. “>http://boutiqueline.ru/bistrie-zaymi-krasnoyarsk-onlayn.php