Students Organize Unique Fundraiser for Breast Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes

When Kaitlin Burger began working with hair extensions while studying cosmetology at BOCES, she saw an opportunity to take her knowledge to the next level. She and fellow North seniors successfully sold colored extensions as a fundraiser for breast cancer research last month, but the group needs continued support as they work to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

Burger, along with Kristi Walsh, Samantha Renna, and Brittany Daniels, came up with a plan to sell colored hair extensions to correspond to a different charity each month. The girls are certified in hair extension placement through Academy Pro Hair, which delivers the goods directly to be sold.

The group started in October, selling three shades of pink hair extensions to both raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and promote breast cancer awareness. They sold the extensions to both male and female students, faculty, and staff—including Principal John Dolan—and were shocked to sell out of their inventory in just three days.

“We wanted to do something that hadn’t been done in our school,” commented Burger. “We thought that people would be interested in something different, and we were right.”

Through a combination of donations and purchases of the extensions, which the group has sold for $5 per strand, they were able to raise a total of $340 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. They have been working closely with Sachem Cares to ensure that the money goes directly to the appropriate organizations.

Despite the success the seniors found with the pink extensions, Burger noted that they have not been quite so lucky with the red, yellow, green, and blue hair extensions that they’ve been promoting for JDRF.

“I think that wearing pink for breast cancer is more publicly noted,” she offered. “They don’t really have anything like that for JDRF yet, but we’re hoping that what we’re doing will help to start something up.”

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund aims to find a cure for type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. The foundation also works towards developing new and improved treatment methods for those with the disease, such as more effective tests to determine blood sugar levels and other innovations to make patients’ lives easier.

As pleased as the group was to raise money for breast cancer research, Burger has a personal interest in selling as much of their inventory as possible to benefit JDRF.

“My younger cousin was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes two years ago, and she spent Christmas in the hospital,” she said. “This is something very close to my heart, and I really want to raise as much money as possible for the organization.”

The group will continue to sell the extensions outside of the first cafeteria at North, as well as during various lunch periods throughout the weeks ahead. They also plan to continue their efforts in the future to raise money for other causes.