EcOasis Salon & Wellness Studio is sponsoring a fundraiser “Haircuts for Hannah” on Monday September 15th, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for Hannah Bendal.

Hannah is a 26-year-old single mother, currently hospitalized in a Pittsburgh hospital in the Critical Care ICU with a rare condition diagnosed as Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: a potentially lethal form of encephalitis that causes her own body to create antibodies that mistakenly attack the proteins in her brain. Her doctors are hopeful that a recovery is possible, but will take many months or even years.

Hannah grew up in Lucinda and was a North Clarion graduate. She then attended IUP Culinary School and graduated near the top of her class. Upon graduation, she took a job in Virginia, but moved back to Lucinda to raise her son, Benjamin. who is now 21 months old.

Hannah’s parents, Bernie and Elaine, have been traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh since her illness began in March. They are also taking care of her young son. Elaine has had to cut back on her work hours to be able to make the many trips and take care of her grandson.

Elaine’s co-workers at ecOasis are hosting this fundraiser.

Haircuts will be $10.00.

There will also be a Chinese auction and an indoor yard sale.

All proceeds benefit Hannah’s medical expenses.