woodland park - A bright pink fire truck was standing at the curb of the Lenox Plaza shopping center recently, at the corner of Route 46 West and McBride Avenue, where Great Clips of Woodland Park is located at. It stood as a reminder to all those who have lost their battle with cancer and also a testament to those who have survived it.
STAFF PHOTO BY TINA PAPPAS
The local hair salon Great Clips, which opened on May 5, 2012, joined the Guardians of the Ribbon Inc. Northern NJ Chapter in its mission in support of a national movement for women across the country by wearing pink. The event was aimed at raising funds and awareness for breast cancer, as well as other forms of cancer.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many organizations work to honor those who have battled breast cancer during the month, educate people about the disease, and provide services to people who have been affected.
According to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that there are currently over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Daria Lojik, president of the Guardians of the Ribbon, Northern NJ Chapter, is a four and a half year survivor. She and Marianne Ecanosti began the organization in 2010.
'The national 'Cares Enough to Wear Pink' days are Oct. 25, 26 and 27,' said Lojik, who is also an EMS technician. 'But we'll help anyone with fundraisers and we try to help families within their community who are touched by any form of cancer and not limited to breast cancer. We're here in the Woodland Park today with Great Clips' mascot 'Sudz' and we really appreciate their support in this cause. I'm grateful to Michele Carleton, who reached out to me to co-sponsor this day and help us out.'
Carleton, who owns Great Clips with her husband Craig, said that she has always been supportive of the cause.
'What woman is not supportive of the cause because there have been so many who have been diagnosed with it, including some men, and sadly many who have passed away,' she said. 'But the good news is that there are many surviving it as well. Breast cancer runs on my father's side of the family so I feel it's so important to raise these funds so that hopefully, one day, they'll find the cure and have many more survival stories, like Daria's.'
Great Clips offered a $9.99 special on haircuts throughout the day for visiting patrons and also donated 20 percent of the proceeds from all their in-store products, including hair extensions. In front of 'Gemma,' the pink fire truck, also stood a 'Guardians of the Ribbon' sales stand of pink T-shirts, survivor bracelets, key chains, charms and hooded sweatshirts, including information pamphlets and how to support the cause.
According to Lojik, the pink fire trucks serve as a memorial for those lost in the battle against the disease, and as an inspiration to those still fighting.
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