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Cancer Survivor Raises More Than $13,000 for Camp Rising Sun

More than 35 people lost their locks and raised more than $13,000 to send children with cancer to camp at the second annual Lose Your Locks with Luke fundraising event held Oct. 20 at Old Saybrook High School (OSHS). Participants willing to shave their heads raised money for the privilege of losing locks for a good cause.

Thanks to the shorn and the more than 250 people who attended the event, a cabin full of children with cancer will attend Camp Rising Sun next summer.

Franco Carafano from radio station 100.9 FM k-hits joined Luciano “Luke” Duffy’s team and raised $3,000 himself from his listening audience by shaving his head. He promoted losing his own locks live from the event and was the emcee. Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr., attended, and OSHS Associate Principal Joseph Anastasio lost his locks.

In an on-air interview with Carafano, Duffy spoke about his passion for Camp Rising Sun.

“At this camp bonds are formed, fun is had, and the laughter is endless. All of the campers are able to thrive without the limitations of their health challenges,” Duffy said. “This event is for all the kids who cannot choose when they go bald or choose when they gain their angel wings.”

Duffy spoke of his love for his friend and fellow camper Marik, who passed away this April from osteosarcoma and to whom this year’s event was dedicated. Marik’s mom, Kelli Tucker, spoke of Camp Rising Sun being the place where Marik was happiest.

“Marik asked for his last request that instead of flowers, donations be made to Camp Rising Sun in his honor. It was his favorite place on earth and the only place where he could truly be himself,” she said. “[I]t’s a place where kids with cancer go to be kids, but more importantly, it’s where those kids become family. And for that I am forever grateful.”

Twenty Camp Rising Sun campers and counselors attended the event and raised money by shaving their heads.

The organizers thank Franco Carafano of 100.9 FM, iMerchandise, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Joshua’s Limousine, the barbers and hair stylists who donated their time, and the OSHS administration. The event was made possible through a collaboration with the OSHS administration, Amber Scherber and the OSHS Interact Club, and Melissa Pandolfi, outreach director of Camp Rising Sun.

Donations for camperships to Camp Rising Sun can still be made through the event crowdrise website www.crowdrise.com (search “locks with luke”).