Members and representatives of the High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, Health Education Action Team (HEAT) and the sophomore class gathered to present a $500 donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering of Commack at the conclusion of its Hair Extensions Cancer Fundraiser. Administrative Manager of Regional Care Administration Lisa Nemerson accepted the check on behalf of Sloan Kettering. Also in attendance were SADD advisor Janet Werner, HEAT advisor Sherry Deacon, sophomore class advisor Jenine Moran, event coordinator Barbara Charity, High School Principal James Cummings and Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen.

During the fundraiser, which is in its second year, Cactus Salon in Deer Park donated hair extensions, which were bought by students and then applied by beauticians. Each color available represented a different form of cancer, which was the main focus of the event. “We wanted to emphasize the fact that there isn’t just one type of cancer,” said Ms.Werner. “Cancer comes in many colors and that is what the extensions represent - pink for breast cancer, teal for ovarian cancer, etc.” Nemerson, who has been with Sloan Kettering of Commack since it opened10 years ago, assured students that their donations will be used for research purposes and will in fact make a tremendous difference locally. “We wanted to keep the money in the community so the students could see the fruits of their labor,” said Ms. Werner. Added Ms. Charity, “This fundraiser educates the students, gets them involved with a good cause, and shows them that they really can make an impact.” Students also made contributions to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and to Deer Park High School alumna Jaelene Chow.