'Something About Mary': Colleagues Rally To Help Ailing Hair Stylist

Mary Kendall is the type of person who considers everyone she meets a family member. If someone has fallen on hard times, she’s the first to jump in and help.

So when Kendall was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May, her colleagues and clients at New Day Spa Salon, 4720 W. 95th St, Oak Lawn, circled her with their love and support.

“Mary is the type of person who considers everyone a family member,” New Day Spa owner Laurie Harrington said. “She’s not a selfish person. that’s why we want to do something for her because she never asks for anything. She just does, does, does for everyone else.”

Kendall, a lifelong Hometown resident, has been a dedicated hair stylist at New Day for 13 years and has built up a loyal clientele. Since her diagnosis she has undergone extensive surgery but hopes to return to her “chair,” which has remained unfilled out of respect.

Her husband has also taken time off from work to care for Mary on her journey to recovery, which has taken a toll on the family finances. In addition to to her loyal clients, she is a beloved and popular co-worker.

“Mary is one of the most positive, hard working, and strongest women out there,” colleague Alyssa Marie said. “She is a wonderful friend, mother, wife, and coworker. She puts a smile on everybody’s face and no matter what battles she was going through, remained positive, upbeat and strong.”

Between July 20 and July 25, New Day Spa Salon, which has won many awards as one of the best spas and salons in the south suburbs, is offering $15 conditioning shots at the spa, with all proceeds going to Mary Kendall.

New Day will also be donating a portion of services and retail sales to Kendall. From 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26, a ‘New Day for Mary’ benefit will be held at Homestead Barr, 9306 Central Ave, Oak Lawn.

Food, non-alcoholic beverages and a cash bar will be offered. Gift baskets and other prizes will also be raffled off. There is no cost to attend, but donations for Kendall will be gratefully accepted.

Since word has gotten out about her illness, Harrington said that gift baskets have been pouring into the salon.

“Her clients come in to this day asking how she’s doing and crying,” Harrington said. “I have people dropping off baskets. Mary is well respected in the community.”

New Day Spa Salon is still accepting donated prizes for Mary Kendall’s benefit. Donated baskets and prizes can be dropped off at the salon during business hours at 4720 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, located in the Coral Plaza.