A fundraiser for a local salon owner battling cancer raised close to $19,000 Thursday, according to the event’s organizer.

All day Thursday, 16 Lawrence area salons donated portions of their proceeds toward the medical bills of Kelly Hale, who owns Statements Hair Salon, 2500 W. Sixth St.

Hale has been hospitalized on and off since late January.

The event was part of an annual fundraising drive within the local salon community. Typically the money goes toward cancer research, but this year the funds will go toward Hale’s hospital stays and treatment.