As a Self-Employed Salon Owner, She Is Ineligible for Disability, Leaving Her Unable to Rely on External Income
Tracy Young, the owner of Oceana Salon in Santa Monica, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer and is currently undergoing an extensive treatment regimen. Young, a well-known and beloved figure in the community, operates her salon within The Shores apartment building.
Following her diagnosis, Young had one-third of her lung surgically removed and recently completed four months of chemotherapy. She is now preparing to begin radiation therapy, which will require treatments five days a week for five weeks. After radiation, she is scheduled to receive immunotherapy every six weeks for six to eight months. The total treatment is expected to last up to a year.
Young initially intended to continue working while receiving treatment but has been forced to reduce her hours due to the debilitating side effects. As a self-employed salon owner, she is ineligible for disability benefits, leaving her unable to rely on external income support. Now, with her ability to work significantly limited, she is living off her savings to cover personal and medical expenses.
To assist Young during this challenging time, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Susan O’Donnell on her behalf, with a goal of raising $100,000. The funds raised will go directly toward Young’s living expenses and help ease the financial burden as she focuses on her recovery. As of today, the campaign has raised nearly $37,000 from 70 donations.
“Tracy has dedicated her life to making others feel beautiful and confident,” the fundraiser page states. “Now she needs our help while she battles this disease.”
The GoFundMe can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tracy-youngs-battle-with-lung-cancer.
