The Steward School, an independent JK-12 school in Henrico County, hosted the 10th Annual Clips for Cancer event on February 21st. The Steward School Cancer Awareness Club organized the event, where hundreds of students and families witnessed 20 student participants donate their hair, with professional stylists and teachers volunteering to cut hair.
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For teacher and club sponsor, Jennifer Maitland, her reason for sponsoring the club and organizing this event is personal. Jennifer herself is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer ten years ago. She underwent a huge surgery and then accumulated 32 days in the hospital over the course of 4-5 months. So, when the opportunity of raising cancer awareness got started, she felt that she would be a natural sponsor since she had been touched by cancer in so many different ways.
Through the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, they have been able to raise funds locally. This motivated the club to hold a large fundraising event, and that's how the idea of donating hair came to be. Soon they learned about Planet Hair and how hairstylist Cheryl Tankersley creates wigs for chemotherapy patients using donated locks.
In the past five years alone, the event has raised $18,911 for ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. So far, nearly $4,000 has been raised in cash and donations to their school page on the ASK website.
The Steward School Cancer Awareness Club collected a total of 9 hair donations and 11 shavings. When asked why these students decided to shave or cut their hair, the reasons were very personal and heartfelt:
"I'm doing this in honor of my mom."
"I'm doing this for my grandfather who passed away from cancer a few years ago."
"I'm doing this because I believe in their cause"
"I'm doing this because I'm a cancer survivor"
As a child that grew up with a parent that battled cancer for years, I couldn't help but remember those times that I've watched my mom recover from several surgeries as a result of cancer. I remember how difficult it was for her to undergo treatment while still raising me. She would do her best to try to help me get ready for school. I remember feeling helpless because I didn't know how to help. My mom has been a cancer survivor for over 40 years.
What I witnessed at this event was brave, selfless and remarkable. I was honored to witness those students' ultimate acts of kindness.
I will make a donation on behalf of Macaroni KID Richmond in honor of my mom and if you're able, we invite you to donate as well: The 20th Annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID Richmond sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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