Middle Georgia Technical College

Mother, Daughter Support Breast Cancer Awareness at MGTC

Warner Robins - For MGTC student Tonya McFarling and her daughter Madeline Roller, the battle against breast cancer hits close to home. McFarling's mother is a 15-year survivor of breast cancer and McFarling herself had her own scare recently. That is why Roller decided to honor her grandmother and mother by participating in Strands for the Cure at Middle Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

During the month of October, MGTC Cosmetology students have partnered with Susan G. Komen Central Georgia for the Strands for the Cure project. The class has been selling pink clip in hair extensions, as well as applying pink streaks for customers.

Roller, who is an 8th grader at Perry Middle School, chose to have the semi-permanent pink streaks applied. Cosmetology student Kaitlyn Thomas of Warner Robins applied the streak for Roller.

"I wanted to show my support for breast cancer awareness now, while I am young," said Roller. "My grandma is a survivor and my mom has had lumps removed, so it is possible that I could get it one day. Hopefully, a cure will be found soon."

McFarling, who is a Practical Nursing student, also has two aunts who are survivors of the disease.

"My mom had a single mastectomy 15 years ago and my aunts both had full mastectomies," she said.

McFarling herself faced a scare several years ago when she found a lump in her own breast.

"I felt a lot of soreness and I had a mammogram, which showed nothing," McFarling said. "I sought a second opinion and the doctor decided to remove it."

Luckily for McFarling, her lump was benign.

MGTC Cosmetology Program Chair Jolie Martin and her students wanted to support this cause because of the people like McFarling and Roller.

"So many people are faced with this type of cancer, whether they are related to someone, know someone, or have had it themselves," said Martin. "Our class felt it was important to do our part to support this cause and contribute toward finding a cure. We definitely hope to make this an annual project for our fall semester classes."

Appointments for pink streaks are available through the end of October. For more information or to make an appointment, call 478.988.6913.

Tonya McFarling (left) and her daughter Madeline Roller (center) are pictured with Cosmetology student and Roller's Strands for the Cure stylist, Kaitlyn Thomas.