Local Business Takes a Stand Against Breast Cancer

Jill Lovello made the drive Monday morning from Stamford, CT. to Harrison with one thing on her mind.

A breast cancer survivor, Lovello said she made the trip with a friend to because she wanted to support those battling the disease today and to help continue the on-going battle for a cure. On Monday, that meant participating in Cuts for a Cure at Hair Creations on Halstead Avenue.

When Lovello was diagnosed five years ago she didn't know if she would survive, she says research and development during the years before her diagnosis probably saved her life.

"If it was 10 years ago, I don't know if I would be here," she said. "The progress they've made with the medication and doctors—oh my gosh."

The staff at Hair Creations in Harrison and Hair and Beyond in Rye, is offering haircuts today in exchange for a $50 donation to City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment center. The staff is also selling raffle tickets for items donated by local businesses throughout the month. The staff at hair creations is working on a typical day off for the cause.

"We do a lot of different fundraisers and they're always willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen," said Brenda Maeda, a co-owner of Hair Creations. "We work together as a team."

A year ago the event raised $4,000 for City of Hope. This year the staff hopes to raise even more. Hair Creations has for other organizations, including Autism Speaks, in the past. Maeda said events like these are an example of how local businesses are able to help with issues important to the community.

"It shows the commitment you have to your local customers," she said. "If you support your community, your community supports you. In these hard financial times small businesses need all the support they can get."

Harrison businesses helped out by donating printing supplies and balloons for the event.

"We definitely try to get everyone involved," Maeda said.

For Lovello, who just five years ago was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer and went through chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy, the event is a chance to support people currently battling the disease.

"Obviously there were people that supported it when I was sick, so pay it forward," she said. "Maybe I never realized how much it was out there until I got sick, but I honestly think awareness itself over the last four years has grown so much."

Maeda said City of Hope was selected because of its track record of fighting the disease.

"They are so large, and they are doing a lot," she said. "Everyone who is involved with this organization from the scientists to everyone that helps, their young and enthusiastic and they want to help."

Those who visited Hair Creations Monday didn't have to look far to find a happy ending resulting from the research of City of Hope and organizations like it. Lovello said she is thankful every day for the developments and research that likely saved her life.

"You appreciate life so much more," she said. "You savor every day, you really do. You don't take anything for granted—nothing."