Tristan Shumaker of Rainy River has decided to join Fort Frances resident Tania Cox in this year’s “Cuts for Cancer,” with the hope of raising $2,000 by shaving off his curly locks.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” the 19-year-old stressed, noting although he has not directly been affected by cancer, he knows many people who have been.
“I thought I could raise a lot of money for a good cause,” he remarked.
Shumaker grew his hair for most of his high school years and when he decided it was time to cut it, he wanted to do something worthwhile in the process.
“I didn’t want to [cut it] if it was just going to be thrown in the garbage,” he reasoned.
However, he’s still looking for an organization that will take his hair to make a wig. He has about eight inches of hair and most organizations require longer hair than that.
But Cox said she’s sure someone will accept his locks. Hers are going to “Wigs for Kids” based in Toronto.
While Shumaker admitted it helps that Cox is shaving off her 18 inches of hair, he’s still nervous about it.
“I’ve had so much hair for the longest time—it’s going to be really different,” he said. “Right now it’s like I’m wearing a toque.”
Shumaker said he doesn’t know Cox, but read about her story in the Times a few weeks ago and how she took the initiative to organize this year’s “Cuts for Cancer.”
He said if she wasn’t doing it this year, he likely would have taken it upon himself to organize the event a few years down the road.
“I really hope I’ll get a lot of support. Every dollar makes a difference,” he stressed.
Although he’s joined the event with just weeks to spare, Shumaker already has begun his fundraising drive, with pledge forms located throughout the district.
Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to call Shumaker at 852-4001 or his mom, Penny, at 274-9879.
Donations also can be made to Cox and Shumaker through Cox’s secure website at www.http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=1856315
Donations can be made with a credit card, and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to the donor via e-mail.
Meanwhile, Cox’s fundraising is going strong as she’s already more than halfway to her goal of $2,000.
“I’m really happy with how it’s going,” she enthused. “And now with Tristan on board, I think we’ll raise a lot more awareness.”
Cox’s grandparents passed away from cancer before she was born. And her great aunt recently discovered a lump, though she’s currently doing just fine.
“I guess that got me sparked to do the ‘Cuts for Cancer,’” she noted. “Everyone knows someone with cancer.”
The local branch of the Royal Bank is selling pink ribbons, with proceeds going towards the “Cuts for Cancer.” Pledge forms also are available there for those interested in supporting Cox’s efforts.
Cox’s pledge forms also are available at Wilson’s Business Solutions and Celeste’s Hair Design, as well as from herself (she can be reached at 274-0309 or tania.cox@hotmail.com).
She noted all funds raised, including Shumaker’s, will be donated toward the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Riverside Foundation for Health Care.
“I want to keep some of the proceeds local,” Cox indicated. “There’s a high concentration of cancer around here.”
And she stressed other people are still welcome to join her and Shumaker in the “Cuts for Cancer” to have their heads shaved in honour of all cancer sufferers and survivors.
“Cuts for Cancer” is being held in conjunction with “Mall Days” at the end of June at Celeste’s Hair Design. Cox will be having her head shaved at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 27 while Shumaker’s will be shaved at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28.
“It would be great for people to come and watch, or even participate,” Cox remarked, adding you don’t have to have long hair to join in.
“It just helps to gain light on the situation on cancer. Every little bit helps.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
