Community Corner

Cutting-For-A-Cure – Vital Topic at North Haven Rotary Club


Joyce-Lyn Altieri, owner of the Flair For Hair Salon located at 310 Washington Avenue in North Haven has been in business as a hair stylist for over 23 years.  Having seen countless clients over those years, she has heard many sad stories, but she has always been one to step up and help those less fortunate.

One of her accomplishments includes working with North Haven High School to provide makeup and hair styling for under- privileged girls who cannot afford it for the Senior Proms.  

She has also been involved with a “Night For Nurses”, where she provides free hair and beauty service for ward nurses.  She developed this program after spending seemingly endless days and nights at the hospital when her sister and father were there fighting a battle with cancer, which both lost in the same year.

Four days prior to her annual major fundraiser, she addressed the North Haven Rotary Club about Cutting-For-A-Cure, which has taken place since 1999 providing assistance to cancer victims and their families. This year the event was held on October 6 at her salon and the proceeds from haircuts, styling, etc. would be donated to area families through the Looking Forward Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. The focus of this year’s effort is on “Catherine,” a young lady from North Branford who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma in April as she prepared to enter college.

In addition to karaoke, prizes, and face painting, a dedication was held with the goal of honoring and celebrating the life of Ann DeMatteo, a long time newswoman in town who shared her valiant struggle with us in the press. The wellness, support, and education program at Smilow helps cancer patients and their loved ones deal with the many issues related to the disease.   

Altieri said that it helps cancer patients take control of a seemingly uncontrollable situation. Years ago, the money she raised went to help find a cure for cancer, but now it is used locally in a more practical manner that touches the lives of many of our friends and neighbors struggling to deal with the effects of cancer treatment.

Since its inception, Cutting-For-A- Cure has raised over $39,000. In addition to raising funds, her salon provides educational material on the many faces of cancer. For further information, she may be reached attheflairforhair@gmail.com.
               
Photo & text courtesy of David Marchesseault & George Guertin, Rotary Publicity Committee


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