Cancer patients, survivors enjoy spa day at WNCC

In one way or another cancer has affected us all. Its ill affect has torn through the protective fabric of many families.

Cancer survivors are generally deemed as some of the toughest people around. They often persevere through rough treatments.

One Sidney resident has found a way to reach out to this group of people and cater to them for a day. Alice Macht is a professor at Western Nebraska Community College and came up with the idea to host a free spa day for cancer survivors, as well as those living with cancer.

With the help of some of her cosmetology students, Macht – a cancer survivor herself – provided free spa treatments at WNCC for most of the day Wednesday.

"I wanted to share the spa treatments for their relaxation," Macht said. "Some are going through their treatment today, so they came in to get pampered."

Cancer survivors and patients from all over Sidney came to partake in the spa day.

"My wife and I both had cancer," Bill Willburn said. "It has been a pleasant experience."

A number of students were on hand to give manicures, pedicures, facials and haircuts to the visitors.

"I'm just glad to help. They've been through a lot," said cosmetology student Morgan Sones.

Macht said this will be the start of an annual event that she and her colleagues plan to give back to the Sidney community.