A group of Cochrane High School students have kissed their hair goodbye for the summer.
Eric Binder, Grade 10; Rosie Costen, Grade 12; Sophie Nicholson, Grade 12; Karly Macaulay, Grade 10; Tryse Blazina, Grade 10; and Rachael Carter, Grade 12 all cut their hair for cancer at the school’s yearend barbecue on June 8.
The idea to fundraise for the Kids Cancer Foundation came from Binder, whose friend and uncle were both diagnosed with cancer last year. He decided to put up a page on the Kids Cancer Care website in November 2015 to collect funds for him to shave his head.
“What really sparked the idea was just trying to help out but adding a bit of a stake to it as well,” Binder said.
“As much as I’m nervous about going completely bald, you have to realize that there’s all these people out there that don’t have a choice to do this – they’re forced to shave their head. I think this is the right thing to do,” Binder said.
Blazina, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, immediately joined the cause. Carter, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at six months old and has been cancer free for 12 years, also signed up.
Carter hopes this will show other kids fighting cancer that they aren’t alone. She added there are a lot more side affects people face other than just losing their hair so this is just one way to show support.
“I wasn’t supposed to walk again and I wasn’t supposed to be able to read or tie my shoes so it’s kind of a struggle to go through and I’ve done a lot of things that people told me I’d never do,” Carter said.
Carter said she was nervous to relive a part of her life that she’s put behind her, but was happy to show courage for others still battling cancer.
“When I had cancer, it was a really difficult time for me and my family but it shaped who I am today and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Carter said.
“I’m very nervous about shaving off my hair because I haven’t not had hair since I had cancer. But I know that in time it will grow back and look twice as good as it did before,” Carter said.
Costen cut off roughly 10 inches of hair.
“I’ve had a few friends who’ve had experiences with cancer and stuff so it’s a no-brainer thing for me, it’s a good cause to support,” Costen said.
Nicholson, whose grandfather and friend both died from cancer, jumped at the chance to show support for others who have experienced loss. She cut off around 10 to 12 inches of hair.
“I know how horrible it is, it’s really difficult. You see the wear and tear it puts on the family, and I just wanted to give a little back – even if it isn’t life changing but makes a small difference to their quality of life,” Nicholson explained.
Macaulay is a veteran when it comes to cutting her hair for cancer; this was her sixth time.
“I started doing it when I was in kindergarten, my hair just grows really fast. So I figured rather than just cutting it and keeping it at a nice length I would just grow it out and cut it to donate,” Macaulay said.
Everyone in the group agreed that though it will be a sacrifice, hair is mostly vanity and will grow back. So far, the group has raised $2,210 of their $2,500 goal.
Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can visit www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/get-involved/shave-your-lid-for-a-kid/ and select Cochrane High School under Registered Shaves – School Shaves.
The event took place at the school around noon on June 8. Sublime Styles Hair & Esthetics was in charge of performing the task.
