I mentioned in my last post that I was traveling because of "bad weather." As if not saying the C-Word would make it less real. The truth is that my friend — in effect, my sister — has breast cancer. That awful epidemic symbolized by cute pink ribbons has introduced her friends and family to a new level of awareness.

Her health is not my business to share, but she's asked me to publicly return some good wishes on her behalf. See, as the rest of us go around with pink lapel pins, she'll be wearing a beautiful silk scarf from the Good Wishes program at France Luxe.

It's a hug for her head.

France Luxe is a hair accessory retailer based out of North Bend, Washington. Their Good Wishes program began after a long-time loyal customer underwent chemotherapy and was looking for something pretty and feminine to cover her head. Laurie Erickson, CEO, sent her a scarf along with the staff's well-wishes. They have provided, free of charge, one beautiful 100% silk headwrap to women and children experienceing hair loss as a result of illness or treatment ever since.

Their mission is not just to give head coverings. They want to share the power of positive thinking and good wishes with these individuals on their path to healing and recovery.

My friend learned about the program through her new online support group, and corresponded with the warm and generous Laurie Erickson herself. Yesterday she received a beautiful, $70-value silk scarf in the mail with a card personally signed with individual notes of encouragement by each of the shop's employees.

You know what?

It worked. That simple gesture lifted her spirits. She was so touched that complete strangers would take the time to send her wishes of peace and healing, she wanted to thank them in the most public way she could. 

I hope you — or a loved one — never, ever need a Good Wishes Scarf. But if you buy hair accessories, know that France Luxe sincerely does good works. In addition to the donated scarves — which, by the way, would look fabulous under any circumstances — they put their money where their good thoughts are. Twenty percent of top-line sales from these products goes to breast cancer research.

My sweet friend is prepared for a hard fight, but she has the necessary perspective to see that it's all temporary. And a continued positive outlook will go a long way toward an expected full recovery. There's a whole army of people she's never met sending prayers and well-wishes into the universe on her behalf. She says she feels the love and appreciates it — she sends hope, happiness and good vibes back.