OTTAWA LIFE MAGAZINE
Volume 5
Number 3 2006
RAISING FUNDS TO CURE SCOLIOSIS
It's the Right Thing to Do
The beauty business is booming. We've grown accustomed to the multitude of services offered by spas and salons. Yet how often do we encounter a spa salon that gives back to the community and tries to make a difference? Enter SAAB.
I sat recently with Nina Saab, co-owner, along with her husband Frank, of SAAB Salon Spa. Instead of talking about their newest promotion or products, Nina chose to speak of a matter that's dear to her heart: scoliosis, a condition that leads to a pronounced and painful curvature of the spine.
SAAB is an Aveda Lifestyle Spa and Salon. To be affiliated with the socially-conscious and environmental-friendly Aveda, a spa must meet certain conditions and give back to the community. Nina saw this as a perfect opportunity to merge a cause she believes with the adopted brand motto.
Scoliosis is her charity of choice. Nina witnessed the effects of scoliosis first hand and felt compelled to step in and raise awareness. Her daughter Alexa was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12. After being by Alexa's side as she s
uffered with backaches and other complications, Nina knew that more needed to be done.
This November marks the 5th Annual Charity Event for the Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario's Scoliosis Research Fund. The Saabs will open their doors of their stylish salon spa at 376 Bank Street, to host a lavish event, which includes a silent auction, to raise money and awareness for the cause. Among the guests will be staff from CHEO's Orthopedic Research Department including chief of staff Dr. Baxter Willis. The event is open to the general public and media, with Algonquin College student playing paparazzi. Last year's event brought in $20,000. With the matching dollars added, the grand total came to $40,000. This is a tremendous increase since the first event in 2001, which raised $4000.
When asked what drives her, Nina said she simply wants to do what she can to raise awareness of the disease. She believes she has a social responsibility, and that when one feels as blesses as she does, giving back is the least she can do.
Once you reach a level of success, you ask yourself "now what?" And although you may feel overwhelmed by the work that goes into making a difference, just remember that every little bit counts. The money raised by the Saabs has been put to good use; the hospital purchased computers to monitor the progression of the disease using 3D software, and to conduct a double-blind study to test Bayer's aprotinin to prevent blood transfusions during surgery.
A Canadian version of the US Scoliosis Research Society should be established to provide patients and families with resources and pamphlets explaining the various issues surrounding the disease. It can also provide a helping hand to those less fortunate who are suffering from scoliosis. Braces that are issued to correct spinal curvature can run up to $1500, with only a small portion of the cost covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). And that's only the brace. Alexa Saab developed a skin disease, pityriasis, from her brace, thus causing further complications and running the cost up even higher.
Nina continues on her path of fighting the big fight. Among with the annual event, she lobbies the government to bring back school screening for the early detection of scoliosis. Nina would also like to see a ban on large and heavy backpacks which she feels contributes to the problem.
Scoliosis usually develops in childhood, but doctors often wait until the child has reached puberty before taking action. The onset of puberty can either improve or worsen the child's condition. No causes for this disease have been determined. However, this is a reason to believe that scoliosis may be genetic. For more information, contact Nina Saab at SAAB Salon Spa; tel. (613) 235-5927. To make a donation for scoliosis research, contact Maureen O'Neil, chief secretary at CHEO's Orthopedic Research Department; tel. (613) 737-7600 x 2582.