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!”