Two months ago when Cedar Grove resident Frank Napolitano was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, his neighbors formulated plans to help out the family.

Sharon and Dennis Mitola, owners of Bellatair Salon began planning a fundraiser with the help of the Junior Women’s Club of Cedar Grove.

What they came up with was Monday night’s hair cutting and beauty event at the salon.

“I heard about the event about two months ago,” Napolitano said. “I was very excited. I thought it was fantastic!”

Napolitano, his wife, Julie, and their children Nicholas, 15, Christopher, 13, and Gianna, 9, are active in town. The children attend public schools, play sports and know many people throughout the township.

“The people in this town have been great and very supportive,” Napolitano said.

He said the family has “had our ups and downs. When you have cancer, it’s not an easy thing to deal with.”

That’s where Marcia Vollero, the Junior Women’s Club of Cedar Grove treasurer stepped in.

"One of our members brought Frank's cancer to our attention a couple months ago,” Vollero said, “and we wanted to help by dedicating this event to him and his family. The whole staff donated their services to us. Even people who couldn't be here donated whatever they could."

Bellatair hair stylist Alyssa Johnson thought the event was a great idea. 

“It’s so nice to be able to help someone in town,” Johnson said, “It was months of work, but it really worked out.”

Junior Women’s Club of Cedar Grove member Sue Wolff agreed, saying “We’re a community-based organization. We hold a lot events for good causes.”

Roxie Collins, also a Bellatair hair stylist, had nothing but praise for the Junior Women’s Club of Cedar Grove, saying “We’ve held a lot of events with the Juniors. It’s always a positive experience.”

According to organizers, the event was a big success with a large turnout and lots of excitement.

Participants were confident Napolitano, who used to cut hair at Carmine’s Barber Shop in Bloomfield, will win his fight against the disease.

“I know he’s going to recover,” said Melissa Skabich, “He’s a tough guy.”  She said Napolitano had been cutting her sons’ hair since they were young saying, “He’s the only person who has ever cut a single hair on all three of her my sons’ heads. They get excited whenever they see him around town.”

Cedar Grove resident Rosemary Piotrowski agreed, saying, “I was shocked when I hear the news about Frank. We’ve been friends of the family for years. I’m positive he’ll recover.”

For those who were unable to attend Monday night’s event but who would like to make a donation to Frank Napolitano, please make checks payable to Junior Women’s Club of Cedar Grove and mail to: P.O. Box 224, Cedar Grove, N.J. 07009.