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FFGRD director shaving head to help fight cancer |
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Written by SCOTT STANFIELD
Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 14 May 2008 |
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SALMON RIVERFRASER-FORT GEORGE REGIONAL DISTRICT
Salmon River and Lakes director Denis Gendron is doing his bit to help fight cancer by having his hair shaved off today during the monthly meeting of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District board.
His motivation is twofold: to raise money for the future cancer clinic in Prince George, and to support the efforts of his 11-year-old daughter, Monique, who recently donated her hair to be used as wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
"(Last year) She saw an ad on TV about a little girl that didn't have any hair because of cancer treatment, and then they showed a girl having her hair cut for that girl to get a wig," Gendron said. "And she decided right there and then, she said 'I want to cut my hair for cancer.'"
He suggested she think twice before losing her locks, but several months later Monique was still adamant about her cause.
Regarding the cancer clinic that is supposed to be operational by 2012, Gendron wants to raise money to help purchase items such as equipment and materials for a children's play area that will not be covered by government funding. To do so, he has issued a challenge to his fellow directors and district staff to chip in money if he shaves his head.
"I think there's going to be $400 or $500 raised there," said Gendron, who is mindful of accommodation needs of out-of-town cancer patients who will travel to Prince George for treatments.
"Right now they don't have much space to reside here while they're having treatments. The cost of staying at a hotel or motel would be exorbitant. They haven't planned on rooms for overnight stay, not that I know of. Eventually they'll need something like a Ronald McDonald House to accommodate them while they're here. And single parents are going to need a place to put the kids."
Gendron speaks from the heart. His father died of cancer in his mid-50 while his grandfather survived a scare with bone cancer.
"It's something that's on our mind, the family. We'll do whatever we can. A cure is important."
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 May 2008 )
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