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Fashion And Coffee Helps Uplift Women During Challenging Times

DENVER (CBS4)- Valentine's Day isn't just for couples, it's also a day to treat yourself and make sure you're living your best life. Ashley Knapp spent Feb. 14 getting glammed up to celebrate, but not Valentine's Day.

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"January 31st, I got the notice that I'm in remission," said Knapp.

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The 26-year-old mother of two had breast and cervical cancer. She didn't realize how much her battle with cancer would take, both emotionally and physically.

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"Everything that people say makes you a woman was stripped from me. It has taken time for me to love myself, but I've gotten to the point where I'm alive and that's the best thing I can think of," said Knapp.

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Nikki Garcetti created the nonprofit organization, Fashion and Coffee, to uplift women during hard times.

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Nikki Garcetti (credit: CBS)
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"We'll style them for an occasion and make them look beautiful, so they can have a great night and forget what they're experiencing at home. It's that notion of looking good on the outside, when you may not be feeling good on the inside," said Garcetti.

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Fashion and Coffee took care of Ashley's clothes, hair and makeup. All she had to do was enjoy.

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"Ashley opened up to me and said 'I haven't gotten dressed up for my boyfriend in forever. I haven't had a chance to get out and feel good,'" explained Garcetti, "It's not how hard you fall, it's how you get up and we want to help you get up."

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She credits her mother, Ann, for helping her start Fashion and Coffee.

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Garcetti arranged for Ashley to get her hair styled at The StoryBrick Salon in LoHi. Then, she got her makeup professionally done at Brows on 15th Street.

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Ashley Knapp (credit: CBS)

If you know someone who is going through a tough time, and could use a day like Ashley's, Garcetti is happy to take recommendations.

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