Making the Most of Your Donation

At Kids Cancer Care we pride ourselves on running cost-effective fundraising programs to ensure funds raised and donated goes directly towards supporting kids and families affected by cancer. Through your pledged donation to a shavee in the Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program, we can ensure you that we are working hard behind the scenes to guarantee your donation makes a huge impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

The Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program is sponsored by Trico Homes, 98-5 VIRGIN Radio, The Calgary Sun, Pattison Outdoor and Delmar Hair School. Due to our partnerships with these wonderful companies, we are able to keep program costs minimal, ensuring the money raised goes directly to supporting youth and families affected by cancer. Click here to learn more about where your donation goes. For further information please email syl@kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Thank you for your support of the Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program. Whether you are a program participant or a donor, your support helps us to fight childhood cancer on four fronts—with laughter at camp, the best care at the hospital, innovative science in the lab and by making brighter futures possible with post-secondary education scholarships a reality.

Click here to watch this year’s Foundation video and visit kidscancercare.ab.ca to learn more about our foundation.

No Regrets!

Sherri and her co-worker Ashlee decided to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by cancer by shaving their lids for a kid. Sherri knows first hand the affects cancer can have on a person and the ones who love them. This is her shave story....

On October 9, 2013 I shaved my head for Kids Cancer Care in honor of my grandmother, Mary McKeage, and my friend Johan Groneman, who both passed away in 2013. I wanted to do something to acknowledge how inspiring they were and are to me; especially after their cancer diagnoses. The dignity with which both of them accepted their illness and their decision to live life to the fullest was apparent in how they lived the remainder of their lives.

I had no idea the effect this shave would have on me and others around me.

My six year old daughter is so proud of me that she said she will shave her head for Kids Cancer Care when she’s an adult. My mom cried because she couldn't believe how brave I am (her words, not mine). My brother donated $1000 because he was so proud of me and wanted to do something good with his money.  Everyone had something wonderful and inspiring and supportive to say to me and my coworker, Ashlee, who did it with me.

Five days ago, I had my bachelorette at a nightclub. At one point in the night, I got really sad and took off my veil, garter and feather boa and threw them on the table with tears welling up in my eyes. My friend asked me what was wrong, “everyone thinks I’m sick and it makes me feel really sad for people who ARE sick ,” I said. I’m happy I decided to donate my hair to Angel Hair for Kids to be made into a wig. That night, people came up to me and gave me high fives and bought me drinks, others thanked me for what I did and hugged me.

This has been an amazing experience. I feel that I have brought some awareness to this cause and that makes me feel great!  I have no regrets.

Community Shave Breaks Fundraising Goal!

On Saturday, September 7 Kids Cancer Care hosted our first annual Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® community shave event at the Trico Centre for Family Wellness. 23 brave individuals rose to the challenge of shaving or cutting and donating their hair, in support of youth and families affected by cancer. This brave move not only raised essential funds for Kids Cancer Care but showed moral support for those who lose their hair during cancer treatments.

Four ladies generously donated their hair at the event, which will go to Angel Hair for a Kids; a foundation that provides wigs to kids at no cost, right here in Canada. Diane V. was so inspired by the event that she decided, on the spot, to cut and donate her hair. She even spent an hour walking around the Trico Centre requesting donations and raised $170—Go Diane!

The event was filled with excitement as Tyler Hall from 98-5 VIRGIN Radio got his head shaved by 13 year old cancer survivor Johann— watch the video here! Some honorable mentions from the event are James D. making a special commute from Edmonton to participate in this event, Western Direct Insurance and its employees donating close to $3000 and to the 10 month-year-old baby who broke a shave record by being the youngest shavee! Even Mayor Nenshi made an appearance at the event to thank event participants for their support. 

A special thank you to our shaving experts Rick, Renee, Trish and Jessie from Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, who volunteered their services to help shave heads. Click here to learn more their famous hot shave and new location in Deerfoot Meadows!

Kids Cancer Care would also like to extend a thank you to Trico Homes who provided volunteers to help out on event day as well as eight shavees! Thank you to our promotional partners 98-5 VIRGIN Radio and the Calgary Sun for helping us share our message. Last but not least, thank you Trico Centre for Family Wellness for providing us with the wonderful space to host our event.

Because of the amazing support of our event participants, donors and sponsors, we were able to raise close to $20,000; $5,000 over our goal! The money raised from this event will go towards Kids Cancer Care’s four programming areas — cancer research, hospital support programs, camp and community programs and scholarships.

Click here to see photos from event day!

Click here to learn more about the community shave event participants or to donate and help us break $20,000!

98-5 VIRGIN Radio on-air Personalities join Community Shave Efforts

Kids Cancer Care is excited to announce that Tyler Hall and Danny Kid from 98-5 VIRGIN Radio will be shaving their lids for a kid at the Community Shave event on Saturday, September 7.  Both Danny and Tyler have been involved in the Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program through hosting events at Calgary school shaves. Kids Cancer Care knew it wouldn't be too long before we could take the razor to their “virgin” heads!

Tyler has signed up to shave after being inspired by kids at local schools who have shaved, “to see a seven year old girl with beautiful blonde hair completely shave her head just because she wanted to help other kids who are sick, was a very intense experience for me.” Tyler hopes for happiness and health for his own son and sees this event as an opportunity to support families who are facing one of the darkness times of their lives.

Support Tyler by visiting his page or making a donation: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile.php?participant_id=653357191374237813

You can listed to Tyler on air weekdays from 2:00 -6:00 PM: http://calgary.virginradio.ca/shows/tyler.aspx

Danny has been a proud support of Kids Cancer Care for many years and has helped host shave events at Woodbine and Evergreen Schools. It was at these events that he was inspired to get involved and make a difference. 




Support Danny by visiting his page or making a donation: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile.php?participant_id=648233531374525207

You can listen to Danny on air weeknights from 6:00 – 10:00 PM: http://calgary.virginradio.ca/shows/dannykid.aspx

Kids Cancer Care’s relationship with 98-5 VIRGIN Radio has been vital to success of our Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program. We feel very fortunate to not only have the support of their on-air personalities but also their amazing team behind the scenes.

Sibyl Bigler, 98-5 VIRGIN Radio Promotions Director, states that “Kids Cancer Care (KCC) is a charitable organization that has been near and dear to 98-5 VIRGIN Radio’s heart for many years. Many of us here at 98-5 VIRGIN Radio know family, friends and co-workers affected directly by childhood cancer. 98-5 VIRGIN Radio will continue to support and create awareness of KCC to ensure families and children fighting cancer have the funding and programs needed to take steps forward in the right direction."

Want to get involved? Join the 98-5 VIRGIN Radio Team and Shave Your lid for a Kid!® this September! If shaving isn't an option, cut and donate your hair or shave your beloved mustache!

Please visit: http://calgary.virginradio.ca/Event/Details.aspx?ID=378172

Rapunzel Rapunzel!

Every year our staff and volunteers get asked by our shavees and hair donors what they can do to get their hair to grow back faster! Here are some tips and myth busting advice:

Myth #1: A common myth associated with hair growth is if you want your hair to grow faster and healthier, you have to trim it once a month. The truth is frequent trimming does not promote hair growth. It only removes the tip section and makes it look well-kept and healthy.

Myth #2: Another common myth attached to hair growth is lathering kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil into your hair to add moisture and shine. While these foods do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn’t the ticket to silky hair! This can cause greasy hair, without promoting any hair growth at all!

Myth #3: Finally, the classic shampoo-and-conditioner-change-up myth. If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, don’t rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn’t “get used to” products—build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks.

Facts
On average a person’s hair grows half an inch per month. Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. It is crucial that you get enough protein to get the best growth rate possible. Different sources recommend varied amounts of protein but generally two - three servings daily are adequate. Lean healthy protein sources include:

•          Poultry (preferably organic)
•          Fish and seafood
•          Beans and lentils
•          Tofu/Soy based meat substitutes (organic)
•          Eggs
•          Nuts

Experts advice for hair growth is that you need to forget myths and focus on vitamins and eating a balanced protein diet. The most effective vitamin for hair growth and health is biotin - a water-soluble vitamin B. Vitamin A is the most important substance for the development of the strong cells and muscle tissues of the body including the cells that make up the hair.

We hope that the information provided in this blog will help you save time, money and energy while focusing on hair growth!

Sources:

http://www.naturalhairgrowth101.com/hair-growth-facts.html

http://growhairfasterguide.com/facts-and-myths-about-growing-your-hair-faster/

http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/beauty-tips-products/8-hair-mythsdebunked-123658

You're Invited! Kids Cancer Care Community Shave

In celebration of September being childhood cancer awareness month, Kids Cancer Care will be hosting our first annual community shave event! We are encouraging individuals, teams, community groups and co-workers to band together to show support and raise funds for youth and their families affected by cancer.

The shave is taking place on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Trico Centre (11150 Bonaventure Drive SE, Calgary) and you won’t want to miss it! This event is a pledge-based program in which event participants will set a fundraising goal and seek to achieve that goal by requesting donations. You can choose to participate in the following ways:

Shave Your Lid for a Kid!®:

This bold move shows moral support for the children and youth who lose their hair during cancer treatments. By shaving it all off you also have the option to donate your hair to make wigs for kids.

Cut for Kids:
The idea of shaving your head can be a bit overwhelming; another way to get involved is to donate your hair. By cutting your hair, you’ll be helping create wigs for children who need them. Click here for more information about hair donation.

Stash for Cash:
This is a fun and new addition to the Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program! We will see some brave men shaving their beloved mustaches in support of Kids Cancer Care.

This event gives you and/or your team the opportunity to be a part of an incredible community initiative working towards a cure for every child and care for every family. Funds raised at this event will go toward funding Kids Cancer Care camp & community programs, hospital programs, research and scholarships. To learn more about Kids Cancer Care, please watch our Foundation video or click here for more information. 

REGISTER NOW: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/register/register_existing.php?group_id=536320531363968267

LEARN MORE: http://www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/shave_your_lid_for_a_kid_community_shave.htm

The Shave You Lid for a Kid® Community Shave thanks our community partners at Trico Homes, Trico Centre, Calgary Sun, 98.5 Virgin Radio and the official shave volunteer sponsor, Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop.

Making a Father Proud

CP Rail has been a long-time supporter of the Shave Your Lid for a Kid program—16 years to be exact! CP Rail is hosting their 16^th annual Shave Your Lid for a Kid event this year on June 20, at Gulf Canada Square. Ray Wallinga has been the coordinator of the CP Rail shave event for many years. Below he shares his story from the 2012 head shave when his brave 16 year old daughter participated. This is their story…

I lost my Dad to cancer on June 11, 1994-- two months before Alex, my son and his first grandson was born. My Mom had fought skin cancer about 10 years ago but has been healthy ever since (keeping our fingers crossed).

Last year my daughter Claudia (picture) shaved her head for Kids Cancer Care, a week after her 16th  birthday. I was extremely proud of her. I know how hard it was my first shave in 1999 and I actually chickened out in 1998 because I was too vain. It has gotten easier every year since and now it’s pretty much just getting my summer hair cut every June. When I think about how hard that first time was for a 41 year old guy to shave, I’m even more amazed that my beautiful 16 year old daughter could bring herself to do it. I’d like to think it was my wife’s and my amazing child-raising skills but I know in my heart my daughter’s morals, convictions and her caring for others less fortunate than her, that inspired her to do it.

Kids Cancer Care does a great job in giving kids with cancer a place to go and be a kid at again at Camp Kindle. In addition, they also have made a shaved head something to be really proud of …pretty cool!

Click here to donate to the CP Rail shave: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile_group.php?group_id=431381061363363005

Childhood Cancer Facts

Did you know that cancer is one of the leading causes of non-accidental death of children worldwide? The loss of a child to cancer is one of the worst tragedies a family can face. It is a devastating reality; in Canada there are approximately 10,000 children living with cancer. The cause for childhood cancer is unknown; unlike some adult cancers that can be linked to lifestyle choices. The most common cancers in children are:

§  Leukemia

§  Brain and other nervous system tumors

§  Lymphomas (lymph node cancers)

§  Bone cancers

§  Soft tissue sarcomas

§  Kidney cancers

§  Eye cancers

§  Adrenal gland cancer

Leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in children, encompassing approximately 30 per cent of total new diagnoses each year. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is currently the most common form and comprises about 75 per cent of leukemia cases in children.

Approximately 1,500 Canadian children are diagnosed with cancer each year and about 210 Canadian children will die from the disease. However, since the 1950’s mortality rates for the disease have declined by more than 50 per cent. Today, about 80 per cent of Canadian children with cancer will survive. Childhood cancers have nearly a 75 per cent cure rate; leukemia leading the success charge with close to 90 per cent overall cure rate in children.

More than 70 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors and a majority of them will be considered cured. However, long-term effects of surviving childhood cancer treatments will continue affect their futures. Late effects in childhood cancer survivors may affect the following:

§  Organs, tissues, and body function.

§  Growth and development.

§  Mood, feelings, and actions.

§  Thinking, learning, and memory.

§  Social and physiological adjustment.

To continue learning about childhood cancers you can visit:

• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/childhood
• http://www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/facts_about_childhood_cancer.htm 

Small Hearts Making a Big Difference

In February, Kids Cancer Care had the opportunity to visit the small town of Sundre to help a group of Brownies host their first Shave Your Lid for a Kid event. They were so excited, as well as nervous to see their leader “Pink Owl,” shave her head. The group set a modest goal with the intention of raising money to send kids affected by cancer to Camp Kindle. Their efforts began to snow ball, with the whole community of Sundre joining in. Here is their story, told by Pink Owl herself….

Isn't it strange that the reaction you get when you tell people you are shaving your head for cancer is that you are brave? Or perhaps crazy? I'm just a normal person: Mom of five, secretary for the school Parent Council, and "Pink Owl" of eight girl Brownies.

I was looking for a service project for my Brownies, when I heard a commercial for the Kids Cancer Care's "Shave your Lid for a Kid" program. I thought it would be a neat way for my Brownie group to see how simple it was to make a positive difference in the world, as well as to undertake a project to honour our special Guiding Holiday, “Thinking Day.”

Boy, did I get more than I bargained for! We are a small Brownie unit--5 girls, 3 leaders-- that had just started up in October. We live in Sundre, a town of 2,700. When we introduced the idea to the girls, they thought we were INSANE!! To them, raising $100 was a huge concept. We set our goal at $2,200; $200 for each member of our multi-unit.

We brainstormed ideas for how to raise money. The girls decided to do chores for change, as well as a new concept simply called "bottle bombing". I put my long pink hair on the chopping block on behalf of the unit, as well as our special Brownie Doll, Brooke's. For the next 4 weeks, Guiding families and members of the Sundre community took turns adding to the gigantic mountain of bottles in my yard! It became a game; to see if they could add to the pile without getting caught. I think my neighbors decided that we were hoarders around that point.

Meanwhile, my fellow Guider “Snowy Owl” had wrangled the local logging truck drivers from West Fraser Sundre into a competition of sorts; to see which logging crew could raise the most money for us. Their bosses stepped in to match what they raised, and we ended up with another shavee; Mr. Bradley Stair. And with that….our donations went up and up.

When all was said and done, we managed to smash our goal with a grand total of $10,821.00!!! This is almost enough to send a child to Camp Kindle for each member of our group. Needless to say, the girls were BLOWN away! It has been so incredible to see our small community step up to support this amazing cause. To have been able to show my girls that it was as simple as shaving my head to make such a positive difference in the lives of our most deserving, has been priceless.

I'm not brave and I don't think I am crazy either. The children and families who wrestle with cancer are the brave ones. I'm just happy to have been able to help make their journeys a little bit brighter-- and I wear my new hairdo with pride--! To all those who have supported us; thank you for showing our girls that you don't have to be big to make a big difference in the world. 

Jenna Grant aka Pink Owl

Delmar College Students Volunteer with Kids Cancer Care

Established in 1950, Delmar College is one of the original hairstyling schools in Alberta and aspires to be among the best in the world. Delmar College provides leading edge post-secondary education for hairstylists and offers diploma programs in Esthetic Technician, Hair Design, Laser Technician and Nail Technician. The high success rate of Delmar’s graduates is a testament to the school’s popularity and solidified reputation in Alberta. Delmar College’s in-house salon also offers great prices on hair maintenance and styling as well as esthetic services. The in-house salon also offers lower than average prices for hair maintenance and styling products.

For several years, Delmar College has supported the Shave Your Lid for a Kid program by providing skilled student volunteer shavers at large school shave events. The talented students and staff of Delmar College bring an amazing level of enthusiasm to each event throughout the busy spring season.

In addition to their volunteer support, Delmar College provides complimentary shave and/or haircuts at their salon for individuals enrolled in the program and has also worked to provide the program with the highest quality products and accessories. On top of all that, earlier in the year Delmar Staff and Students hosted a bake sale raising funds for Kids Cancer Care!

Kids Cancer Care is very thankful for Delmar College’s continued support and recognizes them as a huge success factor in our Shave Your Lid for a Kid program. Thank you Delmar!

For more information on the Delmar College of Hair and Esthetics, please visit http://www.Delmarcollege.com or call 403 264 8055. Delmar College is open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; 2nd floor, 1520 - 4th street, SW and is open 

Shaving 101

How to Maintain a Freshly Shaved Head

Congratulations, you have decided to take the brave step of shaving your head! We bet that at some point you've found yourself thinking about how you’re going to keep your “new do” as fresh and maintained as possible! Whether you have decided to go completely bald or leave some peach fuzz, there are two important things you should be keeping in mind after your shave: moisturizer and sun protection.

Moisturize:

                A shaved head increases sun exposure to your scalp. This increased exposure can leave your scalp feeling dry and flaky. To avoid this, moisturize daily! You are not required to buy a specific moisturizer for your scalp; just make sure that the one you use does not contain alcohol. It is even possible to use the same moisturizer that you use for your face.

Sun Protection:

                As we mentioned before, with a shaved head comes an increased amount of sun exposure. Just as you have to protect the rest of your body from UV rays, your delicate scalp is no different! If you have shaven it all off, we recommend applying SPF 30 sunscreen before heading out into the sun or wearing a hat. It is important to remember that the skin on your head is going to be incredibly sensitive due to lack of previous exposure.

How Long Before My Hair Grows Back?

The average person’s hair grows about a half an inch a month or 1.25 centimeters. Your hair may not grow over night but it will grow back at a steady rate! In the meantime, here are some reasons to enjoy your freshly shaved head:

1.       You don’t have to comb or style your hair

2.       Showers will take less time

3.       You’ll save money on shampoo and conditioner

4.       You’ll never have to worry about getting gum in your hair

5.       If you get caught in a rain or wind storm, your hair will still rock

And most importantly……

6.       You’ve raised awareness and funds to support families and youth affected by childhood cancer!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2012 SUPPORTERS!

It has been an incredible year of achievement and it all started with you! Through your support for Kids Cancer Care’s Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® program, you helped raise $825,000 to support youth and their families battling childhood cancer.

Shave Your Lid for a Kid!® is Kids Cancer Care’s largest fundraising initiative. In 2012, more than 650 brave individuals shaved or drastically cut their hair and inspired more than 9,000 donors to pledge their support.

These dollars will bring hope to children with cancer though research and hospital programs. They will find acceptance and strength in camp and community programming; and one day become future leaders through scholarship opportunities.

But it isn't only about the money you raise; it’s about building a community that cares. “I’ve seen both sides of cancer now—the scary part at the hospital and the part where I see hundreds of people who want to help! It is not JUST about the money you raise, it’s about showing you care. When I see so many people shaving their lid for a kid, I know I’m not alone.” - Cancer survivor Johann Casas.

On behalf of the families we support, thank you for supporting
Shave Your Lid for a Kid!®

2012 Shave Your for Kid photos: http://www.facebook.com/KCCFA/photos_albums

Register for 2013 Shave Your Lid for a Kid!®: http://www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/shave_your_lid_for_a_kid.htm

All in the family!

Kids Cancer Care was approached by a very enthusiastic and passionate mother named Michelle, who wanted to involve her family in our Shave Your Lid for a Kid program. As a family they decided they wanted to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer here in Alberta, by shaving their heads and donating their hair! Here is their story and a fantastic video the boys made about their shave!

Did you know that cancer is among the leading causes of non-accidental death of children worldwide?

We didn't know... until recently when Cole (7) and Jake (5) took a great interest in Terry Fox this fall. Learning about Terry prompted them to begin asking questions about cancer, and specifically, if kids like them could get cancer. 

We had many heartfelt talks as a family about what cancer is and what little kids with cancer (and their families) might go through. Our boys asked us if there was some way that we could help. That's when we found Shave your Lid for a Kid. It is the largest fundraising initiative for children with cancer in Alberta, and we felt that the organization was a perfect partner for our family.

Our family was moved to make a difference for children with cancer and their families. We are all a little bit nervous to lose our hair, but we are committed to showing our kids that through simple actions of everyday people, great things can happen! Great things will happen when we give what we can to contribute to kids camps, cancer research, hospital programs, and scholarship programs through Shave your Lid for a Kid.

Our Goal: $10,000! Bravely shaving our heads when we reach:

Lee = $2000, Jake's = $4000, Cole's hair = $6000, Michelle's hair = $10,000

Not only will we fund the programs mentioned, but most importantly, we will show moral support to kids going through the battle of their lives.

- Michelle Irvine

The Irvine boys made a fantastic video about their shave! Watch it video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MYCM-8ehn8c

Donate to the Irvine Family Shave: https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile.php?participant_id=139276281351309955

My hair will grow back!

In March 2012 Kids Cancer Care visited Western Energy Services Corporation for a Shave Your Lid for a Kid event that saw 6 brave co-workers band together to raise funds for Kids Cancer Care. Their motivation to shave it off came from a resilient young girl named Taylor. Leading the shave initiative, Tracey Burgess, recalls Taylor’s story and why Shave Your Lid for a Kid was so important for her to do.



I have a dear friend who at 37 thought she would never have children of her own. Then along came dear little Taylor, weighing in at 9.2 lbs. She looked perfect – all her fingers and toes. Every parents dream, right? Taylor was diagnosed with ‘neuroblastoma’. At first it was a lump the size of a kiwi on her spine; then after multiple hospital visits and testing, Taylor underwent surgery to remove the mass. The Prognosis looked good. Taylor now at five months has multiple masses that have sprouted on her spine and a lump that is on her liver and around her heart. This means more testing, hospital stays and chemotherapy. She has already been through 57 tests & surgeries!

Unfortunately there are many children out there with a story similar to Taylor's. Research requires funding! This comes from people like me and YOU! My hair will grow back….I want to see Taylor GROW UP!!

UPDATE:  Taylor is now 17 months old. Just last week she had a routine MRI and a series of other tests. All results came back negative. The doctors feel she is in full remission, but will continue to follow her until she is 18 years old.  Taylor is a happy little girl full of life and laughter.  She has a full head of hair now 14 teeth walks and talks (lots). All the love and support we have received has helped us through this trying journey. We thank each and every one of you.

My shave donations far exceeded my expectations!!!  I started with a target goal of $3,0000 and ended up with donations in excess of $17,000!!!  My hair has completely grown back,  “I have a new color and didn't even have to pay for it!”