A young Edmonton-area family’s firsthand experience with the harshness of chemotherapy treatment inspired a massive annual fundraising event that now raises millions for pediatric cancer research. The story started in 2003, when two year-old Kali MacDonald lost her hair as she battled leukemia. Kali’s parents decided their little girl’s experience could be a powerful symbol about the need for better childhood cancer treatment, and the Hair Massacure was born.
Before Hair Massacure participants’ locks are shaved at the yearly fundraiser at West Edmonton Mall, most dye their hair pink to generate attention for pledges and donations. The colourful twist has helped the Hair Massacure grow from rather humble beginnings to a must-participate Alberta charitable event. In just eight years, it has raised over $4 million, split between the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Northern Alberta Make a Wish Foundation.
“It’s pretty cool because the first Hair Massacure had just 42 people shaving their heads,” said Kali, now 10. “Now we have Oilers and Rush players take part. This year we have over 13,000 people.” Kali, in remission for the past six years, has had her own hair dyed and shaved twice, but this year she’s growing it out so she can donate her hair to another cancer patient.
Kali’s brave story has inspired so many, including ATB Financial. Since 2009, ATB has provided the Hair Massacure with banking services and $30,000 in donations. ATB also provides dozens of event volunteers, under the guidance of Roni St. Onge, a customer service manager from Edmonton’s Jasper Place branch.
“We’re here because it’s a community event,” said St. Onge, who also serves on the Hair Massacure Board of Directors. “There are lots of people who work for ATB who’ve had to deal with cancer in their families. We always get more volunteers than we ask for. Everybody wants to be a part of it.”
For more information: http://hairmassacure.com/main
