Protest held in response to 'no hats' policy

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. (WTNH) -- A protest was held Wednesday in support of a South Windsor woman who had an embarrassing experience at a roller rink.

The woman has been undergoing chemotherapy and employees at the roller rink told her she couldn't go in with her hat on.

"We're going to make a statement, and we want to support every single woman who's ever experienced it."

It was not a usual work day for employees at KISS 95.7.

A group headed out to Vernon Wednesday after learning about the story of South Windsor's Janna Lombardo.

"I went into my car and cried," Lombardo told News 8 Tuesday.

She was denied access to Ron-A-Roll skating rink because she wouldn't take off her hat, house rules. However, she is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

"Women were mortified, even men were calling that this woman had to go through this, she had to prove, at one point taking her hat off, to show she's undergoing chemotherapy," said Courtney, Kiss 95.7.

"I understand the safety precautions, but you know what, there's always exception to the rule," said Brady, KISS 95.7

So around noon Wednesday, the group left Hartford, armed with signs, and skates for a small protest.

However, watching from the front door and defending the rink's owner was breast cancer survivor Sandy Miceli.

"It's an insurance thing. No one is trying to be mean, no one is trying to be unthoughtful or heartless to cancer patients," Miceli said.

"Ron-A-Roll is not trying to say we don't like cancer patients, that's not the point," said Miceli.

"All we want is a change," Courtney said.

"I just want to be supportive to the people that work here," Miceli said.

There was no resolution in the debate, but if nothing else, breast cancer awareness has taken a different twist.

"I lost my hair twice," said Miceli.

"It's a problem with policy, and if you can tweak the policy, awesome," Courtney said.

The morning crew tells News 8 they are willing to host a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness at the rink, if the rink would allow it.

A manager at the facility gave News 8 a "no comment" Tuesday night.