October might seem like a funny, and chilly, time to shave off all your hair, but on Oct. 29, Helina Stark is doing just that.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and for Stark and her husband, Graham, it is an especially poignant month this year.
“My mother-in-law, who was the most incredible woman I ever met in my life, she welcomed me into the family with open arms,” Stark said with emotion. “She had breast cancer and beat it once, but the second time it took quite a toll on her, and she passed away in January of this year. That’s why I am doing this, to raise awareness.”
On average, 78 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day and 15 Canadian women will die from breast cancer — every day.
Stark and her husband are the owners of The Cheesy Pickup. The Cheesy Pickup's neighbour, Man’s World, will be the site of Stark’s head shaving.
“Theresa at Man’s World is such a good neighbour, and an amazing woman, she’s agreed to do this for me,” said Stark.
“It’s not something she normally does, and she was hesitant at first, she asked me if I was sure I wanted to do this, but once I said I was, she said she would help me out,” added Stark.
Husband Graham will take pictures of the big reveal, and before and after photos will be posted on The Cheesy Pickup’s social media sites.
Stark’s goal was initially $300, but friends encouraged her to bump up the amount to $1,000.
“I don’t know,” said Stark. “I figured, things, are tough right now, and every little bit helps. If someone wanted to donate a toonie, I would be so grateful.”
Following the event on the Saturday afternoon, Stark and friends are planning a pub crawl in downtown Orillia, to raise awareness and collect more donations — and everyone is invited to join in.
“If you see a bald gal with a bunch of people all dressed in pink, that’s us,” said Stark. “Come join us, we would love that. We just want to help out as much as we can.”
Asked about plans for keeping her head warm this winter, Stark smiled.
“I’m going to the Dollar Store and getting a bunch of orange bandanas,” she confessed. “Gotta keep it cheesy.”
To donate to Stark’s campaign, click here.
