Devan Brisebois of Carlyle's Affinity Credit Union marked a very special anniversary by making an offer that credit union co-workers, members and often, complete strangers couldn't refuse.
“I offered to shave my head if we reached $1,500 in donations to the Terry Fox Foundation,” says the manager of Affinity's Carlyle branch, husband, and father-of-three. “When I was 17, I was diagnosed with leukemia and I'm 20 years cancer-free this year. I thought this would be a great way to raise a little awareness, raise funds and have a laugh or two.”
“We only had six days to fundraise, but people blew it out of the water. During that time, we raised just over $3,000., so we doubled it.”
Although Brisebois told his wife, Leta about his plan, his children, Gabrielle, 10, Benjamin, 8 and Adam, 4, as well other family members and friends won't know about his altered appearance until after the deed is done.
“They'll be surprised, for sure,” says Brisebois. “My mom is planning a party for our extended family in Regina to celebrate me reaching twenty years cancer-free.”
Brisebois says his children know the story of his past illness and the family has been involved with the Terry Fox Run everywhere they've lived.
“This was an easy decision for me to make,” says Brisebois. “I looked like this 20 years ago (during treatment). I'm grateful for everyone's support and I'm happy to do what I can for the cause.”
For more information, check out: www.terryfox.org
