Loving You Through It
Who Is
Mission Statement: Our mission is to empower and support those impacted by cancer through compassion, empathy, and love - restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of community.
Welcome to Loving You Through It (LYTI), a registered non-profit serving those impacted by cancer. To understand our roots, and what has inspired us to grow, let’s start from the beginning...
LYTI was founded by Anamaria Rico, adoringly known as “Snooky”, an established cosmetologist and business owner. In 2014, with over 40 years in the hair industry, and successful owner of Rico’s on 3rd, The Salon, Snooky herself sailed into what she felt as uncharted waters. Like many others before her, she found herself sitting in the middle of a world she was not ready for - breast cancer.
Grounding herself in her faith and a strong support system powered by love, she dove in head first and battled a war only those bearing this armor can understand. Although she was surrounded with love and support, there were some aspects of this fight that were solely hers to bear. While undergoing treatments herself, Snooky began to lose her hair. She soon noticed a need of support in something that may have gone unnoticed. Although the cancer center offered fantastic medical support during her treatments, they lacked volunteers to assist those women who were feeling a loss of identity. Snooky found herself in a month long wait list for a wig, and realized there was a need. She thought, how many women are going through the same thing, feeling the same sense of despair, and she quickly became overwhelmed with this sense of compassion. Being a strong woman of faith, a “God purpose” was birthed within her. She knew then the skills that were gifted to her to create beauty was not something she chose, it was something bigger.
After some discussion about this need, Snooky let the cancer center know she was a salon owner and former wig stylist, and during treatment, she offered her services to assist other women who were at a loss in this new identity. She wanted to empower women and let them know it’s okay to say, “Cancer is not who I am!” She wanted other women to feel the transformation this kind of service would create, allowing them to realize who they truly were. She wanted their bodies to heal along with their spirit. She wanted every woman undergoing treatment to look in the mirror and say, “I see myself!”.
At that moment, the cancer center decided to start sending their wigs to Snooky at Rico’s on 3rd, and she began to assist women going through this same experience with free Oncology Beauty Services. Snooky at Rico’s on 3rd created a safe space for emotional wellbeing. She created a space where those impacted by cancer could feel seen, understood, and loved. She created a sentiment that no matter what the outcome was, she was going to love them through it.
LYTI’s services officially began as a registered non-profit in 2017. Snooky and a team of volunteers were supported by donors, large and small, and began offering complimetary oncology beauty services to women battling breast cancer. The goal of LYTI was to empower women, to help them recognize their beauty from all angles, and stand by them with support - ultimately loving them through the battle that faced their path.
Over the years, Loving You Through It has grown into a recognized and respected non-profit organization, offering complimentary services to many individuals battling different kinds of cancer. With a privately rented room inside Rico’s on 3rd, LYTI provides an intimate setting for all those seeking the love and support offered by the LYTI volunteers. This private room is sacred ground, allowing women to be free and helping them reclaim their identity during and after cancer treatments.
Our mission is simple: to uplift, restore, and remind every woman that she is so much more than her diagnosis.
We proudly offer not only FREE oncology beauty services, but a community rooted in compassion, empowerment, and giving back. We are a strong village of women supporting women, devoted to helping one another through every stage of the journey.
Free Services Include: Head Shaving, Hair Cuts, Wig Kits, Wig Trimming, Head Coverings, Make-Up Tutorials, Support Group Meetings, Information and Referrals, plus more.
Loving You Through It is located in Chula Vista, CA, and has served many individuals coming from cities throughout Southern California.
Testimonial: Gracie Vasquez - "This is Me!"
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
"The Sanctuary"
Our LYTI room is a private sanctuary within Rico's on 3rd, The Salon, created to provide support, restore confidence, nurture healing, and celebrate every woman's beauty from the inside out.
Here, LYTI volunteers provide personalized beauty services with compassion and care - transforming the space into more than just a salon, but a place of empowerment, reflection, and renewal.
Every detail of the LYTI Room is designed to bring comfort, dignity, and strength to women navigating their cancer journey. It’s where transformation happens - both in spirit and in style.
