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Family supports mother by shaving their heads By Nathan Howes OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 9 · Friday, July 2, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com When life throws you an unexpected curve ball, you can always count on family to help support you through difficult times. That's why Lauren, 26, and Colin Barnett, 24, are going to shave their heads in an act of solidarity with their mom, Jackie, 60, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 6. Jackie has had to undergo chemotherapy, and as a result lost her hair recently. Since Lauren and Colin do not want their mother to go through this alone, they started a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, which will culminate with both of them shaving their heads at a barbecue on July 3. "The fundraiser is kind of secondary to the support for our mom. This is the main reason why we started doing this, because it's not a fun experience," said Lauren. "This is more of a what can we do to make our mom feel better and support her and show her that she's not alone through all of this." Jackie started her chemotherapy at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga on June 7. She was told she would lose her hair 10 to 15 days after her first treatment, depending on which drugs she would be taking. But she didn't want to go through the painful process of losing her hair, so she had it shaved off. "It's an awkward and rather uncomfortable experience to go through," said Lauren. "They call it the G.I. Jane cut and they buzzed her hair really short." With their mother's hair now gone, the idea of shaving their own heads came to fruition as a way to show support not only for their mom, but also for the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness, thanks to a suggestion from their younger cousin, Sarah, 15. "I have to give kudos to her. She has mentioned she has always wanted to do it, but her mom said she was too young to do it. We are doing it instead," said Lauren. "We thought that we might as well try to raise some money at the same time." Chemotherapy is not an easy process to go through, even with all the support from family and friends; it can still take a heavy toll on a person, physically and emotionally. But all things considered, Jackie is holding up quite well, says Lauren. "Emotionally, she's holding up pretty well. My mom has always been a very strong person. She is quite a rock," said Lauren. "Physically, she's had the typical side effects that start coming in, with a lot of stomach cramping, general lack of energy and a bit of nausea." Fortunately, for Jackie and family, the cancer hasn't spread and the chemotherapy is a preventative measure at this point, from what the doctors have told them. This isn't the first time the Barnett family has had a member diagnosed with cancer. Lauren was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008 and underwent treatment in 2009. She wasn't the only one. "Our immediate family [has had] 50 per cent of us treated for cancer in the past two years. That's a scary number when you step back and think about it," said Lauren. The family will be accepting cash donations on July 3, and the online donations will continue through until July 31. "We're fighting cancer one strand at a time," said Lauren. Those who need directions to the Barnetts' place on July 3 can contact Lauren by e-mail at laurenfightsyou@hotmail.com or by logging on to her blog site at: http://myheadiscold.blogspot.co m/, which is where you can also make donations. They also have a page on the Canadian Cancer Society website at http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/thebaldbarnetts. CANADA DAY WEEK For days like todayTM Inventory Blowout Escort Deluxe Armchair Resin Adirondack Chair In Colours! 20% 50% Simoniz® Wash and Wax Ca Wash 60% $ * now $2.00 DAILY SERVICE PRICE INCLUDES NEW HST TAX Morning and afternoon departures to Fallsview Casino *After $10 Casino Rebate Government Photo ID required 15 7 4 GARDEN CENTRE 99 $ 99 6-1526-4 n $ now 99 .89L #39-4590-0 Inventory Blowout save up to 2 Great Store Locations From Carpool Lot Guelph Line, North Service Minimum 5- hour stay required. Valid government-issuedRd identification photo Morning & Afternoon From Hopedale Mall WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY EVERY EVERY SUN, TUES, THURS, FRI & SAT and Players Advantage Club Card required to redeem offers. Offers subject to change without notice. Offers cannot be combined/substituted. Must be 19 years of age or older to board coaches for casino. Void where prohibited. 60 % T.I.C.O. #50007535 OMCA Member 1-800-838-1789 FOR RESERVATIONS CALL www.casinocoach.ca · www.frontlinetours.ca 168 CLARENCE ST., PORT COLBORNE, L3K 3G5