Huntington Hairathon is “Awesome”
The Huntington High School Peer LEADership class and Abraxas Salon on Main Street joined together to raise over $1,400 and collect enough hair to make 23 wigs at the first annual Hairathon last week. “It was awesome,” business teacher Suzie Biagi said.
Michael Swendemann, a high school English teacher and drama club advisor and male students raised the funds by shaving their heads after obtaining sponsorship pledges for the act. Meanwhile, female teachers and students agreed to have their haircut. The material will later be used to make nearly two dozen wigs in a variety of colors for children suffering from illness that result in their hair falling out.
Participants included children as young as nine years old and numerous high school staff members including teachers Ayallah Jeddah, Kristen Haacke, Jessica Medina and computer technician Noreen Heffernan. Abraxas Salon donated 23 haircuts valued at $45 each and also five head shavings.
The beneficiary of the event is Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that provides disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term hair loss due to any diagnosis, with a custom, vacuum-fitted hairpiece made entirely from human hair. Funds will be used to defray costs associated with manufacturing the wigs.
“I am so proud of my Peer LEADership class, my career intern, Kelsey Ferrari and the tireless assistance of Ms. Jeddah for all their hard work" said Mrs. Biagi. “They ran a fabulous event and we are already encouraging people to start growing their hair and join us next year."
Most of the children who apply for one of the wigs suffer from the autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata for which there is no known cause or cure. Others have suffered severe burns or injuries or endured radiation treatment to the brain stem or other dermatological conditions that result in permanent hair loss.
More than 2,000 children have been assisted by Locks of Love since it began operations in 1998. Thousands of bundles of donated hair arrive each year as a result of the national publicity the organization receives in newspapers, magazines, and television programs. Children comprise over 80 percent of the donors, making this a charity where young people have an opportunity to help other children.
Abraxas Salon, which is located at 235 East Main Street in Huntington, has already agreed to host the event again next February. Mrs. Biagi said the exact date will be listed on the school district calendar mailed to residents and posted on the district website at www.hufsd.edu.
"Thank you to everyone who participated in any way, we really appreciate your support," Mrs. Biagi said.
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