“Leukemia single handedly changed the trajectory of my entire life and I would not be as passionate as I am about a cure if I was not personally affected by this disease.””

Pontarelli

On Sunday at Zella Rose salon in Knightsville, owner Lasondra Pontarelli held a cut-a-thon to raise funds to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Pontarelli is a candidate in the 2022 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year competition which supports blood cancer research among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. Pontarelli raised $1,500 during her five hour event on March 27.

The cause holds a special place in Pontarelli’s heart. When she was ten years old, she and her two-year-old sister Essence lost their 29-year-old mother, Zella Ashford, to Leukemia.

“Leukemia single handedly changed the trajectory of my entire life and I would not be as passionate as I am about a cure if I was not personally affected by this disease,” wrote Pontarelli on her woman of the year candidate page.

Located in the heart of Itri Square, Zella Rose offers haircutting, styling, hair color, texture services and hair extension packages. Pontarelli named the salon after her mom and incorporated her favorite color (red), into the branding. Pontarelli also used a silhouette from a photo of her mom as the Zella Rose logo. In a March 27 interview, Pontarelli said a portion of the proceeds from Zella Rose extensions sales go toward blood cancer research.

“The Leukemia and Lymphoma foundation is a global leader in finding a cure and treatment,” Pontarelli said.

Pontarelli said owner of the Thirsty Beaver, Ed Brady, introduced her to Rick Lindholm -- a board member for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- at a Toys for Tots event. Pontarelli said she was asked to run for woman of the year but was hesitant at first because she wasn’t sure if it would drum up emotions. Pontarelli ended up deciding to go for it.

“I’m all in,” Pontarelli said.

The Man and Woman of the Year campaign is a ten-week competition running from March 9 to May 19. The man and woman who raise the most funds are then awarded the title of Man or Woman of the Year. Pontarelli hopes to raise $50,000 because with that amount she can link her mission to an individual – in this case her mother.

March 27 marked the first event of Pontarelli’s ten-week campaign. Individuals could stop by Zella Rose for a haircut, a chance to win a raffle prize and support a great cause. When it came to raising money, Pontarelli looked at low-cost fundraising options. Local hair stylists and barbers assisted Pontarelli, including Sandie Bergantino of Total Elegance in Cranston, Uriah Mitchell of Salon You Are You, Inc. in Warwick, Matt Saballa of Saballa’s Empire Barbershop in North Kingstown, Savannaha Simcock of Styled by Savannaha in Cranston, and Dayna Gamba of Rectify Barbershop and Beauty Alcove Micropigmentation Studio in Mansfield Massachusetts.

Pontarelli said she was nervous about the cut-a-thon event because she wasn’t sure how many people would show up. Once it got started, she said there was a great turnout.

“Every dollar I raise is a vote for me and a vote to cure cancer and as you know, everyone wins when cancer loses,” says Pontarelli’s woman of the year candidate page.

Pontarelli has worked in the salon industry for over ten years and studied at the Brio Academy of Cosmetology in Connecticut. Originally from Connecticut, Pontarelli moved to Cranston in 2015 where she lives with her husband, David, and their three children. She opened Zella Rose right before the pandemic and keeps her mother’s memory alive through the business. Photos of Pontarelli’s cheerleading days hang within the salon – since from 2013 to 2016 she was an NFL cheerleader for the Patriots. 

To help the cause, individuals can make checks payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and mail them directly to Zella Rose Salon 1719 Cranston Street, Cranston RI 02920. In the check’s memo, individuals can write ‘Lasondra Pontarelli.’

Pontarelli will also host more fundraising events in early April. There will also be a zumbathon charity event on April 3 at 9:30 a.m. at Reflexion Fitness and Wellness on 2 Starline Way, Unit 1 in Cranston. Additionally, trivia with a cause will be held on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Thirsty Beaver. Teams will be four to eight people and a $15 donation is suggested per person. To learn more about events and sign up, please visit https://pages.lls.org/mwoy/neri/ri22/lpontarell.