Smithtown Tattoo Studio "Inks for Pink"

You can walk for a cure, you can shop for a cure and now you can get tattooed for a cure at Horifudo studio in Smithtown.

The studio is part of the Ink for Pink campaign benefiting Breast Cancer Help, Inc. a non-profit organization based in Lindenhurst. The organization's goal is to raise awareness and promote education about breast cancer.

Studio owner, Erik Desmond, said he has been wanting to get involved for a long time, even though has not been directly affected by the disease.

"I am lucky. Everyone in my family is healthy. I hope to keep it that way," he said.

Desmond joined forces with friend Frank Acevedo, owner of Good Times Tattoo Studio in East Islip. Desmond thought that by working together they would make a bigger impact. They approached Alex Fezza, executive director of Breast Cancer Help, who loved the idea.

"I spent twenty-five years in the navy. I know a little something about tattoos," he said.

Fezza began volunteering at the organization after his wife, who was on the board of directors, passed away from breast cancer 15 years ago. He is passionate about the cause and sometimes spends as much as 72 hours a week there.

Cat Romitro, of Bayshore, was the first customer to participate in Ink for Pink at Horifudo's. Her aunt is a breast cancer survivor and she wanted to show her support through a tattoo.

"It is a great opportunity to homage to her," Romitro said, who sports several tattoos. This particular one has a special meaning for her though, since she is also a geriatric nurse who tends to many breast cancer survivors. "It is something I have been involved with for a long time," she said.

In addition to the month-long special, Horifudo will be having a tattoo marathon this Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. Three tattoo artists will be on hand, taking shifts.

Desmond, who is married and a father of two young children, has been a tattoo artist for 22 years and recently updated a tattoo on the arm of local celebrity Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. In addition to tattoos, the studio will also be selling bracelets, t-shirts and art work. All proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Health Inc.

"The tattoo community is generous," Desmond said. "Tattoo people really know how to step up and show support."