#NOHAIRSELFIE GOES BIGGER AND BALDER WITH TREMENDOUS SUPPORT
For the second year in a row, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s #NoHairSelfie created a buzz to show solidarity with cancer patients and raise funds for cancer research. In addition to more than 50,000 hair-ticpants uploading their #nohairselfie, the campaign also attracted bold support from a wide mix of individuals and groups across the GTA.
One such example of inspiring support came from the Town of Richmond Hill, where Mayor Dave Barrow and all members of Council shaved their heads, some virtually and some actually, at Hillcrest Mall, to rally the public for this bold approach to fight against cancer.
“People with cancer often lose their hair during treatment,” says Mayor Barrow. “On behalf of the Town of Richmond Hill, we want to show our support to Canadians who are bravely undergoing cancer treatments. I lost my sister to cancer last year and have many friends struggling with this disease. I hope our involvement can create awareness of the need for a cure and to support those who do not have a choice to remove their hair.”
According to recent statistics, more than 40% of all Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 4 is expected to die from the disease.
“Globally, cancer is the leading cause of death,” says Paul Alofs, President and CEO, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. “We are rallying people around the world to raise awareness and the much needed funds to advance cancer research. This year alone, 15 million people will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide; in only 15 years, this number will skyrocket to 22 million. The need to support cancer research has never been more critical.”
Since its launch last year, the #NoHairSelfie campaign motivated more than 67,566 people to download the #NoHairSelfie app and share their virtual shave. This year, the campaign extended its reach globally, and to date has raised more than $1.5 million to galvanize the progress in cancer research, with one common goal: to Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime. Donations are welcomed at www.nohairselfie.com.
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds to lead the way in Personalized Cancer Medicine at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research. www.thepmcf.ca
About Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has achieved an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and delivering Personalized Cancer Medicine. The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, is a member of the University Health Network, which also includes Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and The Michener Institute for Education at UHN. University Health Network is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.theprincessmargaret.ca