It has become a bit of a family tradition.
Every winter, except for one, in the last six years a member or multiple members of the Bain household gets a very thorough a haircut — one that will leave no hair at all.
This year, it is William and Thomas Bain’s turn.
On March 23 the brothers, as part of the team ‘The 2 Pink Heroes’ will join thousands of other Albertans who will shave off all their hair as part of Hair Massacure — a fundraiser for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
The charity also uses the hair it collects and donates it to an organization that makes wigs for children who have lost their own due to illness. The Bains did not participate last year because the event was put on hiatus as it looked for new charitable partners. Participants in Hair Massacure fundraisers are asked to dye their hair pink as a sign of solidarity and as a way to draw attention to the fundraiser.
Mark, the dad, was the first to lose his locks, but a year later William took up the mantle and was joined by his younger brother, Thomas.
Originally the brothers cited the reason why they decided to take part in the event was to honour their great grandfather and an aunt who passed away from cancer.
However, in recent years it has grown to include people closer to their own age.
“We really want to help young people, like ourselves, who have cancer and are not able to participate in the fun stuff we get to do,” William said.
A fact which was brought closer to home when the brother of William’s best friend, Wyatt, was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. That year Wyatt joined the Bain brothers Hair Massacure effort as as Team Colton, in honour of his brother. The Bains noted that Wyatt’s brother’s story had a happy ending and as his treatment proved successful.
When asked if they were nervous about their impending haircut, the brothers said, no.
“I think it is getting to the point where this is pretty normal for us, this will be my fourth year and Thomas’ third,” William said.
Funds directed to the Alberta Cancer Foundation will go towards two programs: the Terry Fox Profile, which is a pediatric research program, and the Adolescent and Young Adult patient navigator program, which supports people in the 15 to 29 age bracket. Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest and only all-Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
For those interested in donating to the Bains’ campaign, visit www.hairmassacure.com and click Northern Alberta. From there, click on ‘I want to Donate’ and select ‘Pledge a Participant’ and type in ‘The 2 Pink Heroes’.
