THUNDER BAY -- This year, World Cancer Day coincides within one day of our Jan-U-Hairy wrap-up.
This hairy annual event is modeled after “Movember” where instead of growing out facial hair in November, this brave troupe of ladies grow their leg hair for the month of January.This fundraiser was created following the tragic loss of loved family member Natacha Martinie Ruberto, who passed suddenly from a brain tumour in December 2012. Natacha left behind two very young children.
After the anniversary of Natacha’s passing the following December, the Ruberto family powered themselves into making a difference in Natacha’s honour. Knowing their “Jan-U-Hairy” idea was a little silly, the fundraiser helped them make a difference, but also put a smile on their faces. That January (2014), the fun and inspiration began.
Jan-U-Hairy has had a powerful presence in Thunder Bay ever since. This January, the Jan-U-Hairy team was pushing for an overall cumulated total of $40,000.00. All funds collected from Jan-U-Hairy donations go directly to brain cancer research. The team needed a steep $6,700.00 to make their overall goal of $40,000.00.
Faster than ever, around came Jan-U-Hairy 31. The team was at $5,630.00, $1,070.00 from their goal. But sure enough, the donations started to come in. The inspiration came that comes from this group of ladies is contagious, and the community felt it! Donation after donation came in, including one single donation of $525.00 to help make the push over the limit! At the wrap-up party on Sunday, Feb. 3, our proud hairy ladies of Thunder Bay were able to hoist a cheque with a whopping amount of $7,235.00! Organizers even say there are still funds to come in.
An amazing congratulations goes out to co-organizers Joanne and Jackie Ruberto for hitting their six-year goal, and also to the entire Jan-U-Hairy team. You are all inspirations in this community. Congratulations!
With today being World Cancer Day we have so much to be grateful for. We are also happy to announce that Relay for Life is returning to Thunder Bay this summer. With nearly one in two Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we all have a reason to take action. Be a local hero like the incredible Jan-U-Hairy team and join us at Relay for Life. Register at www.relayforlife.ca/thunderbay. Cancer can change everything. But it doesn't have to define us. Because LIFE is bigger than cancer.
