Volunteers have opened a free beauty salon for patients and parents at Akron Children’s Hospital.

AKRON, Ohio — There’s a new beauty salon in town, but it happens to be set up in a unique location.

Volunteers have opened a free beauty salon for patients and parents at Akron Children’s Hospital.

“The nurses actually volunteered me,” said Stephanie Lively, “[They] said I needed some pampering.”

Lively was supposed to spend just four days at Akron Children’s Hospital. She’s caring for her 14-year-old niece Azlyn who went in for emergency surgery for a spinal fusion. But the four days turned into 37 days and a total of eight surgeries.

Since the beginning, Lively has been by Azlyn’s side.

“She makes me strong,” said Lively. “If she can be strong, I can be.”

It’s the reason the nursing staff encouraged Lively to take a break after an unexpected month at the hospital.

The “Jody Smith Salon,” named in memory of a fundraiser with the hospital, is still in its early stages as a new program put together by the efforts of 5-year volunteer Mark Geschke.

“We saw a need to allow [parents] to come in and get a little pampering,” said Geshke. “And feel good about themselves.”

Michelle Lumadue, an independent and licensed cosmetologist, joined the team as a volunteer. The program also provides hand and arm massages, and manicures.

“Having to be strong for [Azlyn] all the time, and [the volunteers] let me have a moment,” said Lively as she fought through her tears. “I appreciate it.”