Salon Success Students and Staff Inspired By Cancer Survivor

May ’11

On April 30, 2011, over sixty Salon Success Academies students, staff members, family, and friends participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event at the Quakes Stadium Soccer Fields in Rancho Cucamonga. The team was able to raise over $2,000 at the event, and over $4,000 in total!

Salon Success Academies began participating in the Relay For Life last year, when then student Heather Harris approached the school about the event. Harris’ cousin was diagnosed with cancer three and a half years ago, and her family participated in the Relay to support him. Harris knew that her school was like an extended family for her, and they were more than happy to join the cause.

Jeff Millet, Heather Harris’ cousin, wasn’t sure what to expect when a crew of cosmetology and esthetics students and staff joined his family’s team. But, he is so glad they did!

“They’re awesome!” he said. “Some of the people from Salon Success Academies were also survivors themselves and they helped us raise over $2,000 the day of the Relay by offering manicures and massages.”

When Millet was diagnosed three and a half years ago, he was told he only had two years to live. He’s still going strong, participating in the Relay For Life and working as volunteer for CAN, the Cancer Action Network, the American Cancer Society’s legislative and lobbying group.

“Jeff is so inspiring,” said Susan Turner, Vice President at Salon Success Academies. “We love being able to support him, and the rest of the incredible survivors at the Relay.”

The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s number one fundraising event across the country. Teams of participants set up campsites and walk around the field for 24 hours. Someone from each team is walking the field at all times. The Relay For Life is open to the public, with each team offering on site fundraisers including food, chance drawings, games, or, in the case of the Salon Success team, manicures and massages!  The event brings together a community for one common goal — to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“Everybody is your best friend at the Relay,” explained Millet. “You just wander from campsite to campsite and by the time you’re done you know everybody there.”

The American Cancer Society is the second largest donor to cancer research, behind only the federal government. The Relay For Life is the number one fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society, providing funds that go to research for a cure, treatment, and services for those going through treatment. The Relay For Life also provides an opportunity for those who are going through cancer treatment to meet others battling the disease and share hope.

“When I was diagnosed, I was told I only had two years to live. Then I met people who were diagnosed and told the same thing, or worse, and here they were, 15 or 16 years later,” Millet said. “You have to just keep your spirits up and keep your hope up. There’s no telling what can happen.”

With the support of organizations like Salon Success Academies and  the American Cancer Society, those diagnosed with cancer like Millet can truly live up to the Relay For Life motto — “Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back!”

About Salon Success Academies

Salon Success Academy offers five locations in California’s Inland Empire, in Redlands, Fontana, Upland, San Bernardino, and Corona. Our mission at SSA involves caring for every student as a member of our family, furnishing the chance to finish their educational objectives as affordably as possible. SSA incorporates first-hand, real-world practice of the principles of cosmetology, skin care, and nail artistry. The campus teams with members of the beauty industry to educate our graduates on the technical and customer service skills they need to succeed in their careers.

For more information go to www.salonsuccessacademy.com or call 1-877-987-HAIR (4247).