In the News
A Day of luxurious pampering
Skin care expert helps cancer patients relax, feel beautiful by Bob Sandrick
Thursday, January 8, 2009
For Charlotte Braverman of Shaker Heights, cancer has been a recurring nightmare.
In 2006, doctors found the disease in Braverman's appendix. She endured the usual rounds of chemotherapy.
"I was pregnant at the time," Braverman said. "It was kind of traumatic."
In October 2007, Braverman was diagnose with thyroid cancer. The treatments for both cancers dried and discolored her skin.
On Dec. 6, Braverman treasurecd a skin papmering day at The Gathering Place in Beachwood, which provides free programs and services for cancer patients.
The event was sponsored by Basic Essentials Skin Care, Electolysis and Wellness in Solon.
"I wanted to give back to the community and make people feel happy because they are going through a very rough time," said Judy Tuma, founder of Basic Essentials.
Paying dues
Tuma empathizes with her clients. Growing up, she suffered from unwanted facial hair and acne. She started electrolysis when she was 16 and the facial hair disappeared.
When she was in her late 20s, a cousin introduced Tuma to an esthetician who used natural treatments to clear up her acne.
"I was impressed," Tuma said. "I wanted to help others and I thought I would love being my own boss."
Tuma, then a dental assistant, earned a degree in electrolysis at Lakeland Community College. In 1989, she opened her first electrolysis office in Russell. She opened a second office in Twinsburg two years later.
Seeing a demand, Tuma expanded into other types of skin treatment. She studied esthetics at Brown Institute in Mentor and today is a licensed esthetician through the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology.
She opened Basic Essentials, at 33650 Aurora Road, Solon, in 1999.
Healing energy
Basic Essentials treats people with unwanted facial hair, acne, Rosacea, and mature or sun-damaged skin.
Treatments include oxygen and enzyme therapies, dermal rejuvenation, and permanent cosmetics, ideal for some cancer patients who lose hair during chemotherapy.
Basic Essentials also specializes in microdermabrasion, face and body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, safe tanning and facials.
Tuma has delved into reflexology and reiki as well. In 2009, she wants to expand into acupuncture.
Inspired partnership
Tuma lost two friends to cancer last summer. A cousin, who had been in a hospice, died last month. She lost two dogs last year as well. One had cancer. Those experiences inspired Tuma to join forces with The Gathering Place.
"We were very excited," said Kristina Austin, marketing director of the Gathering Place. "Our patients treat their cancer, but this is a way to make them feel better and pamper them."
"For some of them, they may not have the resources to pamper themselves," Austin said.
Braverman had been going to the Gathering Place for support. She had experienced reiki, but Tuma's visit allowed her to try reflexology.
"It was amazing," Braverman said. "They were able to pinpoint areas that needed improvement. I felt better."
Contact Basic Essentials at (440) 248-2510 or essentialsalon.com
Contact The Gathering Place at (216) 595-9546 or touchedbycancer.org
Contact Sandrick at (216) 986-5478