2007 was a year of remembrance for us at Elite, titled “Year of Care.” We spent 2007 remembering how we got started. Our roots lie in the hard work and determination of one person, Elite’s founder, visionary and my mom, Linda Martens, who passed away in late 2006 after a courageous battle against breast cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer won.

With Linda’s passing, I lost my mom, best friend and business partner all in a single day. In trying to cope with this incredible loss, I have found strength and healing through fundraising. I feel fundraising gives me a chance to honor my mother and her many years of hard work in the many hats that she wore. She was a mother, stylist, salon owner, distributor and industry mentor to so many. It also gives me the opportunity to help others in her name through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Every year, 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. We are determined to make a difference. The mission of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is to create a world without breast cancer. This has become our mission too. Through grass roots fundraising efforts, we were able to donate $100,000 last year in Linda’s name to help conquer this battle. Join us in our 2008 fundraising efforts and become a warrior against this deadly disease.

Change. Be part of it. Together, let's make a difference.

Sherri Martens

President, Elite Salon Systems