13Forever raises funds at spa day to fight against pediatric cancer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On Sunday, Oct. 2, Roseni Salon & Spa in Washington Township hosted “Take a Cut out of Cancer” to benefit 13Forever, a Michigan nonprofit that aims to fund cancer research and support local organizations helping in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Roy and Carol Townsend, of Shelby Township, founded 13Forever recently in memory of their son, Justin, to expand their work to support organizations that fight pediatric cancer.

Justin was 12 years old and looking forward to junior high school in September 2013 when he started having severe headaches. Emergency room doctors discovered that he had a brain tumor, and brain surgery three days later resulted in a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme.

The Townsend family went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to fight the highly aggressive cancer. After a long battle, Justin passed away Aug. 7, 2014.

On the 13Forever website, 13forever.org, the Townsends credit St. Jude with giving them “hope and courage to keep fighting.” The hospital made such an impression on them that they formed Team JBird to raise money for St. Jude. During the past seven years, Team JBird has raised more than $130,000 for the hospital.

For Take a Cut out of Cancer, 13Forever has organizations such as Beaumont Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children’s Hospital of Michigan on its list of beneficiaries. All proceeds from the day’s services — manicures, haircuts, styling, massages and eyelash extensions — will benefit Michigan organizations fighting against pediatric cancer.

Roy Townsend said that, over the Sept. 24-25 weekend, 13Forever and Team JBird raised more than $23,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Over $14,000 was raised at the second annual Team JBird Golf Classic at Bello Woods Golf Course in Macomb Township Sept. 24. The St. Jude Run/Walk took place the next day in Detroit.

“With the support of business and our community, we will continue to raise funds and awareness to battle against childhood cancer. 100% of the money that was raised at this event (Oct. 2) will benefit local pediatric cancer organizations,” Roy Townsend said via email. Take a Cut out of Cancer raised $2,150.

Carol’s sister, Pam Trenkler, said it’s great how Roy and Carol have reached so many people in the community and are moving 13Forever forward.

“We are so proud of them and what they are doing in the battle against pediatric cancer in the name of their son. Local children’s hospitals will benefit from their hard work. I know Roy says, ‘It takes a community to cure a child.” How true. … Everyone needs to be involved in finding the cure,” she said via email.

She said they continue  to work to raise awareness and money every year for St. Jude.

“I’m happy Roseni Salon & Spa are joining their fundraising efforts to support local children’s organizations dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer. We all believe a cure is around the corner,” said Trenkler.

For more information, visit www.13Forever.org.