FOR A GOOD CAUSE -- Debra Cyr

Sue Doyle

COSTA MESA -- For children faced with adult situations, it’s a chance to

let them enjoy their youth.

And it’s a opportunity that won’t slip away from Costa Mesa hairstylist

Debra Cyr.

Cyr and three of her co-workers will hold a “haircut-a-thon” Sunday at

Salon Detour in Costa Mesa. The proceeds -- haircuts are $10 -- will help

to pay for three-day camp trips to Kids Konnected, a nonprofit

organization for children who have either lost a parent to cancer or have

a parent living with the disease.

The organization, based in Laguna Hills, holds three camps for children

of different age groups. Kids 13 and under will head to Big Bear for two

sessions, July 2-5 and July 6-9. A camp for teenagers will be held at an

Arizona dude ranch July 10-13.

“The organization and camp helps kids go through the process of

grieving,” Cyr said.

She knows the story all too well. Her husband, Bryan, died only seven

months after he was diagnosed with cancer at age 35.

Cyr found ways to cope with his death -- and to maintain a normal life

for her daughter, Kristina, who was suddenly growing up without a father.

But her husband’s death was 14 years ago. The family has survived the

tragedy and now helps others through the process. They mainly network

with others through Kids Konnected.

“I’m able to do this and not have all the emotions because it’s been a

while since his death,” Cyr said. “So I can help.”

Cyr has raised money for the trips through the years and even served as a

camp counselor.

Her daughter has grown up through the organization. Kristina, now 14, has

been trained to be a youth leader at the children’s camp.

“I think this has been great for my daughter,” Cyr said. “She doesn’t

feel like the only one to go through this.”

FYI

No appointments are necessary for the $10 haircuts, from 11 a.m. to 3

p.m. Sunday at Salon Detour, 3033 S. Bristol St., Suite K, in Costa Mesa.

Information: (714) 444-0800.