MONTAGUE — Two Island women plan to shave their heads bald to help jump-start a cancer project to raise money for a four-year-old battling the dreaded disease.
Natasha McCarthy of Mount Albion and Ambyr Cooper of Murray River hope to each raise $3,000 for their head-shaving effort.
“The inspiration for the fundraiser comes from Autumn Newell (daughter of Stacey and Donnie Newell of Montague) who is currently battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,” said McCarthy.
“When I heard of her diagnosis at such a young age, tears streamed down my face. The thoughts of any child having to fight such a disgusting disease broke my heart and I was overwhelmed with thoughts of ‘what if that were us?’”
The kickoff event, Colours for Cancer, will be held Saturday, March 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Montague Church of Christ and there are currently 52 children registered do some painting.
“Children between four and nine will be supplied with everything they need to create their very own masterpiece after which a photo of them with their painting will be taken,” said McCarthy, the daughter of Niall and Verna MacKay of Montague.
An online album will be created as an auction for the paintings and bidding will be available through the Facebook group from Sunday, March 10, to Thursday, March 14. On Friday, March 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to the church for the Colours for Cancer Children’s Art exhibit and final auction.
“Autumn’s constant smile in every picture while undergoing chemo has been incredible to watch. She just inspired me to help other children.”
Since she began her project, McCarthy has a partner in Ambyr Cooper, who is also welcoming a bare head once the pair each raises $3,000. Cooper lost her mother to cancer at a young age and has a daughter.
“Once we hit the goal of $3,000 each, which raises $6,000, we let the clippers loose,’’ said McCarthy.
All funds raised will be divided between Autumn and her family, the QEH pediatric clinic and the IWK Children’s Hospital.
Autumn has her mother posting videos on Facebook of herself explaining to
her how she gets her medicine to kick cancer in the butt.
Details about events and fundraising can be found at https://www.facebook.com/#!/FundraiserForAutumnQeiiIwk.
In addition to events planned, numerous businesses have been extremely supportive and will be displaying donation boxes.
A joint bank account has been set up at CIBC by Natasha and Stacey Newell and donations can be made at any CIBC branch to Account # 00483/79-15136.
Email money transfers can also be accepted through online banking at autumnandhospitalfundraiser@hotmail.com.
