The students and instructors in the Salon and Spa Management Program at Gadsden State Community College wore t-shirts to commemorate the first Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day on June 5.

Students in Gadsden State Community College’s Salon and Spa Management program spent June 5 providing free services to cancer survivors.

“This is the first time Gadsden State has been invited to participate in Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day,” said Kristi Clifton, program instructor at Gadsden State’s East Broad Campus.

Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is a nationwide event that takes place every year on the first Tuesday in June. It is a day when those in the beauty and related industries in all 50 states offer complimentary services to all men, women and children who are cancer survivors, regardless of the type of cancer or when they were diagnosed.

Volunteers decide which services they wish to provide to survivors. Gadsden State’s program provided survivors with the choice of one manicure, pedicure, facial or haircut and style.

“Our students got the chance to practice their skills while also giving back to people who might not get a chance to feel pampered,” said Clifton.

The goal of Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is to reach out to every cancer survivor and let them know about this day, she said. Each year, more and more salons, spas, beauty shops, barber shops and massage salons join the participation list and volunteer their services.

“The real beauty of Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is the support it gives,” said Barbara Paget, chair of the Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day Foundation.

Clifton said Gadsden State’s Salon and Spa Management students and instructors hope to promote this event to make more of an impact in the years to come.

“We are looking forward to making this a yearly event,” said Clifton. “It was an eye-opening experience for everyone involved.”

Students and instructors in the Salon and Spa Management Program at Gadsden State’s East Broad Campus participated in Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day on June 5.