TimesLeader.com

Countdown to Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October 2008

September 24
Painting the town pink

By Shelby Fisk sfisk@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

CLARKS SUMMIT- For the second year, Sanderson State Street Salon, along with 15 other salons new to the event in Luzerne and Lackawanna County will be running the “Get Pinked,” fundraiser for the month of October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Month.

The staff at Sanderson State Street Salon in Clarks Summit prepares for Breast Cancer Awareness fundraisers. Here they display new items for sale to benefit the cause.

Abington Journal/Shelby Fisk

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Lorrie O’Brien of Sanderson Sate Street said, “We opened it up to other stores this year, we’re hoping it will be nation-wide eventually, because there’s a lot of money to be made out there…every dollar counts.”

The idea for the fundraising event started with Sanderson employee Sara Duckworth, who proposed that pink streaks could be put in customers’ hair and the money raised could help support the battle against breast cancer.

Also, MaryJo Steinberk of Sanderson State Street said, “Four years ago we lost an employee to breast cancer and we just thought we’d do something in her memory.”

Last year, JoAnn Cummings, owner-stylist of Sanderson State Street noted that over $30,000 was raised. This year the salon hopes to raise even more.

“Get Pinked,” will be running from October 1 to October 31 and 100 percent of proceeds go directly to a local chapter of the American Cancer Society, Cummings confirmed.

Those interested in participating can choose a permanent pink streak or pink extension for $15. O’Brien noted that no appointments are necessary.

Merchandise such as tote and lunch bags, caps, coffee mugs, as well as T-shirts will be sold this year.

Also, “Get Pinked” manicures will also be available and OPI’s special breast cancer nail polish as well. In recognition of Breast Cancer Month, in October, OPI, the world leader in professional nail care, has introduced a pink shade, created exclusively to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its promise to end breast cancer forever. At Sanderson, 100 bottles will be available for purchase during the month of October.

Out -of -salon events will include: a radio visit with 98.5 WKRZ, September 29; guest bartending at State Street Grill in Clarks Summit October 13; events with the The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on October 11 and a visit from WNEP 16 at the salon. O’Brien said “We’re trying to do it in salon and after work too.”

Also, Steinberk explained the relationship of hairdressers and cancer patients “They (cancer patients) do have to come in and shave their heads, (we) get them wigs, helping them out with that,” Steinberk said. O’Brien added “So, there’s a whole process, that I don’t think people realize. That for stylists – how emotionally involved we get. You don’t even have to know them, and you just want to reach out and give them a hug, ’cause you feel so bad, ’cause you know they’re scared, they don’t know what’s going to happen and could you imagine having to shave your head? Your hair is so important.”

Steinberk said, “Being that we deal with so many women, we’re seeing more and more breast cancer, all kinds of cancers really and the money for the Cancer Society supports all cancers.”

She added, “And I think what’s really nice is it’s a lot of younger generation. There’s a lot of fundraisers out there for cancer, but there’s not a lot young people could get involved in and it really kind of hit that market.” She said however, everyone participated last year “lots of mother daughters, fathers, dogs, older gentlemen with all white hair.” O’Brien added “because everyone has known somebody whether it’s family or close friends, who has been effected, so it’s not just to females.”

For more information on “Get Pinked,” Sanderson State Street can be reached at 586-0592.

Sanderson State Street is located at Village Square Mall, 509 South State Street in Clarks Summit. Hours of operations are: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.