Local Voices
Diva For a Day, With Roots in Basking Ridge, Spreads to 5 States
Organization founded by two local cancer survivors to bring relaxation and happiness to women battling cancer.
The Diva For A Day Foundation, Inc., co-founded by Peggy Matzen of Basking Ridge and Debbie Sestokas of Warren and was created to give women with cancer an escape from the day-to-day stresses they face.
Through the program, a special "Diva" is selected to enjoy a beautiful day of spa services generously donated by a local participating spa each month. It is a day to rest, relax and restore and a quiet day of beauty, comfort and support.
As Peggy explains, “When someone is dealing with cancer it is so all consuming. We wanted to give these women a little escape from it all, a day to forget about doctor’s appointments and treatments, a day to feel special.”
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There has been such an enthusiastic response to Diva For A Day, which began in New Jersey, that salons in Fort Worth, TX, Tampa, FL and Hudson, OH have joined the cause, with local chapters of women volunteers helping to coordinate the “Diva Days” in their areas.
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The hope is to continue to spread the Diva For A Day program to more states and salons in order to give as many women as possible the diva treatment. A nomination form can be found on the Diva For A Day website www.adivaday.org. To qualify for the program, a nominee should be recently diagnosed, currently in treatment, or less than 6 months out from the completion of their treatment.
Participating New Jersey salons/spas include:
- Plaza Salon and Spa in Bernardsville
- Kaleidescope Hair and Nail Artistry in Basking Ridge
- Frank Anthony Salon and Spa in Chester, Refine Day Spa in Clinton
- Panache in White House
- Renew Salon and Spa in Gillette
- Gianni Salon and Spa in West Caldwell
- DePasquale, the spa, in Morris Plains
- Skin Deep Salon and Spa in New Providence
- Cecil Diaz Hair Mendham Day Spa in Mendham
For a complete list of participating salons and spas please visit the website www.divaforaday.org
Each Diva receives the following:
• Mani/Pedi, massage, facial, makeup, shampoo and blow-out, and a donated lunch with bouquet of flowers.
A few quotes from the founders:
“When a women is facing a cancer diagnosis it can be so all consuming. The program gives the Divas a little escape from it all, a day to forget about doctor’s appointments and treatments, a day to feel special. “
“The Diva For a Day program brings light into the hearts of those who are chosen and joy to everyone that gives.”
A few quotes from Divas:
“Thank you to Diva For a Day and AF Bennett Salon/Spa for making today be about ME and not about my cancer!”
“I am OVER THE MOON that I received a phone call today from Diva For A Day telling me I was nominated and selected for a Day here in Florida. I am fighting breast cancer with prayers, chemotherapy, and radiation. I CAN'T WAIT for my diva day!!!!!”
“Diva For A Day set me on the path of healing that day. I will never ever forget it!”
“Thanks Diva For A Day you just made my day! Thanks to the co-founder, Peggy, for calling me this afternoon and informing me that I was nominated and won a day at the spa. This means so much to me. This is such a WONDERFUL service you are providing to women who are going through cancer treatments! I am so excited and this gives me something nice to look forward to. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
“To Diva For a Day. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The entire team at AF Bennett was absolutely wonderful. They were extremely kind. I pray God’s richest blessings on them.”
Diva For a Day recently introduced their signature bracelets that are for sale through the website. 100% of the proceeds go to the Diva For A Day Foundation.
