Mondays at Racine, a nonprofit that provides free wellness and beauty services to anyone undergoing cancer treatment of any kind, has opened another location in Gypsy Hair Lounge in Setauket.
“When patients go through chemotherapy treatment, they look in the mirror and are reminded every day of their medical condition,” a statement announcing the opening describes. “The physical effects, such as hair loss, nail discoloration and weight loss, take a toll both physically and internally. The program is open to anyone regardless of age or gender.”
The Mondays at Racine website lists eight other charter locations across Long Island where their services are offered.
Sisters Cynthia Sansone and Rachel DeMolfetto launched the charity in memory of their mother who died of breast cancer in 1989. While sick, their mother treasured her visits to the beauty parlor and they began offering free services at DeMolfetto's salon, Racine Salon & Spa in Islip, on Mondays to help others with cancer - launching Mondays at Racine.
Mondays at Racine was the subject of an Academy Award-nominated HBO documentary in 2013.
At the official opening of Mondays at Racine at Gypsy Hair Lounge, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich stressed the importance of the nonprofit.
“Cancer has touched almost every family in our community in one way or another, and we know all too well the impact it can have on a patient’s physical appearance and emotional well-being,” he said.
Location: Gypsy Hair Lounge, Three Village Shopping Center, 1389 Route 25A, Setauket.