Students, staff and parents in Hinton had a close shave in June when they put their heads together for a good cause. École Mountain View School hosted a Short Cut to the Cure event in support of cancer research. Thirty-nine students, four teachers and five parents had their heads shaved and in the process raised more than $16,300.
The event was both emotional and life-confirming for teacher Jennifer Dodsworth. “I couldn’t help but wince as the scissors bit into my thick braid, slicing it off as close to the scalp as possible. Grinning, I thrust my braid into the air triumphantly to the sound of a packed gym cheering. Shaving my head for cancer has been one of the most amazing and fulfilling things I have ever done,” said Dodsworth.
Dodsworth wasn’t the only one contributing to the cause. “A hush fell when our first group of brave participants went under the razor, and wild cheers erupted from around the gym when they emerged, white-scalped and smiling. Thirty minutes later, 48 bald heads bobbed to the music pumping through the speakers. There were tears in many eyes as moms had their heads shaved with their daughters, and fathers with their sons. A number of cancer survivors came as guests of honour, and it was evident in their faces that they were reliving their own story. Perhaps they were drawing hope from these children who are learning first-hand what compassion looks like, what it is to give from the heart. ... But it isn’t the dollar figure that really matters—it’s the life lessons that our students learned, whether they participated in the head shave or not.”
Photos and story courtesy of Jennifer Dodsworth, École Mountain View School, Hinton
