Torontonians mark World Cancer Day with fundraising, shaved heads

Volunteers and fundraisers in Toronto are marking World Cancer Day by shaving their heads and posting the results on Twitter.

The #NoHairSelfie campaign kicked off Wednesday at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre — encouraging people to share their hairless pictures on social media or donate to the cause, as a way to support those undergoing treatment.

Mayor John Tory took part as a volunteer barber.

 

 

If you can’t fathom losing your locks, you can also download an app that gives your head a virtual shave.

So far more than 50,000 have downloaded the app and 15,000 people have posted photos to the online gallery. (see samples below)

“The response to the #NoHairSelfie has gone beyond our expectations; from downloads of the app, to the number of participants, to the amount of money pledged, and all with the ultimate goal of raising funds for critical cancer research,” Paul Alofs, President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF).

“The phrase of the day is: “shave, share and donate,” says Alofs.

Cancer survivor Dawn Murphy explained how important the initiative is in a PMCF release.

“One of the most visible and devastating side effects of my cancer treatment was the loss of my hair,” she said. “The #NoHairSelfie campaign gave my friends, family and colleagues the opportunity to show their solidarity for those of us still on our treatment journey or in remission.”

The federal government also announced further funding for cancer research and treatment on Wednesday.

Minister of Health Rona Ambrose announced federal support for new cancer research teams. They will be based out of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa and The University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

“Almost every Canadian knows or is related to someone diagnosed with cancer,” Ambrose said Wednesday. “The number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in Canada is rising and every day 200 people are losing their battle with this disease.”

“This research will improve overall scientific knowledge and advance our understanding of cancer with a special emphasis on childhood cancer. It will improve patient care and cancer treatment and reduce the burden on families…”

She also announced $56 million in funding over the next five years for 77 cancer research projects across Canada.

Learn more about World Cancer Day here

Download the #NoHairSelfie App here

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