It’s a disease that’s left virtually none of us untouched.
After all, an average of 524 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every single day.
That’s why we all should care that today is World Cancer Day.
With the tag line of “Not beyond us,” the day – established in 2000 – focuses on a positive and proactive approach to battling the beast known as cancer, highlighting solutions that exist within our reach. It centres on four pillars: choosing healthy lives, delivering early detection, achieving treatment for all, and maximizing quality of life.
There are currently 651 events across the globe planned for the occasion, along with social media initiatives.
One of them, Toronto’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s #NoHairSelfie campaign asks Canadians to support the cause by shaving their head, sharing the picture via social media, and donating to cancer research by donating online, or simply texting NOHAIR to 410-10.
Oh, and you can also dare your friends to do the same.
If going bald is a little too much for you and you’re not willing to part with your locks, this can be done virtually via the #nohairselfie app, like Olivia Chow has committed to doing.
The campaign is also backed by the support of Ray Civello, Founder of Civello Salons and President of Aveda Canada, who had his head shaved live on-stage this morning by his 5-year-old son.
This morning, Federal Health Minister, The Honourable Rona Ambrose announced that the allocation of $56 million for 77 cancer-related research projects across Canada. Cancer remains the leading cause of death among Canadians – not that we have to remind you of that.
Follow the conversation yourself with the hashtags #WorldCancerDay and #NotBeyondUs and go bald if you dare.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.