Not many pre-teen girls are willing to have their heads shaved.
But Keeley Sweitzer says cancer awareness is plenty reason to shear off her golden locks at Intercity Shopping Centre when she takes part in the 17th annual Cops for Cancer event May 11.
“I’ve had a lot of family members diagnosed with cancer and I thought it was for a good cause,” the 12-year-old said.
She’s not worried what her classmates are going to say when she returns to class two days later. It really doesn’t matter, the youngster said.
“If someone decides to make fun of me, that’s their problem. It’s my choice to do something good,” she said.
She won’t be alone.
Sharon Bolen, who works for the Ministry of Natural Resources, will be taking part with her 22-year-old son Tyler.
Last year alone four people she works with were diagnosed with cancer. Two died. There have also been a number of family members who have contracted the disease, more than enough reason to have all her hair shaved off.
“I made the decision that we need to do something a little bit more,” she said Wednesday. “I wanted to something more than just give money myself, so I’m trying to do this for my whole team from the office and from the other ministries.”
She knows it’s a bold step, but if sacrificing her curly locks can help save a life or find a cure, then it’s the least she can do, Bowen said.
“The way I look at it, it’s just hair and it’s going to grow back. This is to help people who are struggling with cancer and trying to get more money for treatment and other services they might need.”
Organizer Brad Comuzzi has been involved with the event for the past two years as a member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s planning committee.
Comuzzi, who got his head shaved a few weeks early to kick-start the event, said having it done creates plenty of awareness in its own right.
“It’s a shock appeal,” he said. “People shave their heads. It’s a dramatic change, it starts conversations and it gets the word out for our cause.”
More than 50 participants are expected to take part at the 2013 event, including several Thunder Bay Police Service officers.
Last year the event raised about $35,000.
Thunder Bay Police Association president Greg Stephenson said it’s an easy event to rally his members behind.
“We’ve raised a lot of money and we want to see it continue,” Stephenson said.
Pledge forms are available at the Canadian Cancer Society’s Tungsten Street office or online at www.copsforcancer.ca.
