TRIADELPHIA — Fighting breast cancer is tough enough. Trying to stay positive, feel and look better during treatment and recovery are challenges as well.

With that in mind, Brian Fato, executive manager, and the employees at Straub Automotive near The Highlands, decided to do something to help breast cancer patients.

In late September and throughout the month of October, Straub Automotive created a special fund to include a portion of the proceeds from every car sold during this period at their six dealerships to assist local breast cancer patients who are uninsured or have needs not covered including utilities, groceries, child care, transportation and lodging expenses.

“For the seventh consecutive year, the entire staff and management of Straub Automotive is honored to donate the contributions we’ve collected this year to assist breast cancer patients with financial support on behalf of our loyal Straub customers,” Fato commented.

On Wednesday, Fato presented $7,000 checks to representatives from Wheeling Hospital and WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale during a brief ceremony held at the Straub Honda showroom. Also on hand was Bridgette Hardy, owner of Cloud 9 Salon and Spa in Martins Ferry, who explained the importance of restoring a positive attitude among breast cancer patients and survivors through services offered at her salon. She will coordinate her services with the hospitals to provide skin care and makeup tips for cancer patients.

Hardy said she is planning several “You at Your Best” events to bring breast cancer patients together for some pampering, helpful makeup tips and motivational speakers. Dates will be announced in coming weeks.

Kyla Morris, a cancer survivorship navigator at Wheeling Hospital, said the partnership with Cloud Nine will be a plus for breast cancer patients. Morris is a five-year breast cancer survivor.

“I can relate to this from both sides. I’ve been there and for Straub to provide this money will do wonders for patients,” she said.

Shawn Ware, a nurse practitioner of oncology at WVU Reynolds, lost her younger sister to breast cancer, making Wednesday’s presentation quite personal.

“I’m very delighted that this is the route Straub’s is taking with the money they’ve raised,” Ware said.

Straub Automotive has been serving the automotive needs of Wheeling and surrounding communities in the Ohio Valley for over 75 years.

The local family-owned company owns and operates the Straub Honda, Hyundai and Nissan new and used car dealerships located in Triadelphia adjacent to The Highlands as well as Straub’s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram new and used dealerships in Glen Dale and 2638 National Road in Wheeling, as well as the Straub Ford dealership in Moundsville.