STRATFORD—Every October, since 2009, St. Mark School in Stratford has hosted a school-wide breast cancer awareness event. Like most celebrations this year, the 2020 cut-a-thon looked a little different.
While the school could not host their traditional assembly where students shaved their heads or donated their hair to Wigs for Kids, they did manage to spread cancer awareness and raise funds for the worthy cause.
“We had to find a way to continue this long-standing St. Mark tradition, one that means so much to each and every one of us touched by this disease,” shared St. Mark principal Melissa Warner.
Stylists from CKC Salon and Keratin Bar in Fairfield partnered with the school once again in support of the event. They set up a mini outdoor salon on campus, where fifty-one students purchased pink hair extensions.
The entire school community rallied together in the fight against cancer. The event also included a “pink out” where students and faculty dressed in various shades of pink in an unwavering show of support.
The school raised $1,913 for the Elizabeth Pfriem Swim Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s Medical Hospital in Bridgeport. Over the past 11 years, St. Mark School has raised over $23,000!
“October is breast cancer awareness month, and awareness today is uniquely important,” commented Principal Warner. “Because of COVID-19, it is difficult to focus on any other health issues apart from potential exposure to the coronavirus.”
According to BreastCancer.Org, roughly one in eight women will develop an invasive type of breast cancer at some point in her life. In 2020 alone, there will be over 300,000 new breast cancer cases.
“Unfortunately, these statistics don’t stop because of a global pandemic and I am happy and proud to report that the pandemic did not prohibit us from hosting this year’s event,” shared Warner.
St. Mark School is a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
(For more information or to arrange a school tour, call 203.375.4291 or email contactus@stmarkschool.org.)
