On Saturday, April 24 the registration for this years Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer took place at the Parkland Mall.
Close Cuts started in 1998 when Brayden Ottenbreit, then a three year old boy, from Yorkton was diagnosed with cancer. To support him in his battle his dad Greg, his Uncle Grant, and a group of other friends decided to shave their heads and turn it into a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Brayden passed away in February of 2000 at five years of age. Through Close Cuts for Cancer Brayden's spirit lives on, and his determination to fight cancer continues to inspire people who never had the opportunity to meet him.
Those willing to shave their heads in support of cancer research must collect pledges before "bank day," May 26. Money can be raised by those willing to shave their heads, or their are a variety of different options. New this year is an online registration and donation process. Visit www.cancer.ca/reach and look for Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer under the 2010 events to join a team or set up your own fundraising page. Also new this year is the nominate a shave program, in which you can nominate someone and have a fundraising duel with them. The rules are outlined between the pair, and whoever raises the most will get their way.
Those with longer hair may donate their hair for making wigs. For anyone interested in having their hair donated for making a wig it must be clean, dry, a minimum of 8 inches long, at least 10 inches for processed hair and be in a ponytail or braid the day of the shaving.
In the last twelve years the event has raised over $500,000 with every penny going straight to cancer research and local cancer initiatives. All money raised through pledging goes directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. Money raised in ways other than pledging, hotdog sales and merchandise sales, will be donated towards providing new furniture for palliative care rooms at the Yorkton Regional Health Center.
Greg Ottenbreit feels that it "helps ease the pain" by being able to help others. Leone adds that being involved helps because you can "take your tragedy and make it into triumph for someone else going through the same thing." Leone hopes they can "help alleviate the pressure" on other families by what her and Greg have learned.
The shaving will take place on May 29 at the Parkland Mall in Yorkton, those shaving their heads need to be in attendance before 10:00 a.m. There will be a short program at 10:00 a.m. with a powerpoint tribute to all those who have lost their battle with cancer in the last year. Anyone who wishes to contribute a picture to the presentation can contact Leone and Greg Ottenbreit at closecuts@sasktel.net. The head shaving will begin at 10:30 a.m.
There will be a hotdog and hamburger sale at noon on May 29. It will take place in front of Sobeys and be hosted by Scotia Bank with all proceeds going towards local cancer initiatives. Throughout the day those willing will also be able to register as a OneMatch Bone Marrow Donor. Being a donor could help Yorkton Terrier Luke Boechler or any of the many other cancer patients waiting for a bone marrow donor.
Anyone who would like more information can visit www.braydenscutsforcancer.com or contact the Canadian Cancer Society directly at 1-306-782-2788. There is also a new fan page on Facebook under "Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer," everyone is welcome to join.
