Beneshi BloomAt the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Foundation, we heard from Beneshi Bloom, a young lad who intends to cut his long hair, ask for donations to the CT Scanner Crossroads Campaign and donate his hair for the purpose of a cancer patient’s wig. We were very impressed with his initiative! We asked Beneshi why he is doing this and what the CT Scanner will mean to the community. This is what he said:
“I am nine years old and I am in grade four at École élémentaire publique Rivière-Rideau. One day my neighbour Halia asked if I would ever cut my hair. I was really thinking to myself "no"...because I like my long hair and I wanted to keep growing it to make a long braid, which is the traditional Anishnaabe hairstyle for boys.
She told me that some people donate their hair to make wigs for people who lose their hair when they are sick. I had never heard of that before. I learned that people with cancer lose their hair during treatment. I also learned that three of my grandparents died of cancer and I never got to see them because of it. My Dad showed me a picture of his Mom smiling and wearing her wig when she was sick.
It makes me feel happy and excited to think that donating my hair could help someone who is sick look and feel better.
I talked to my Mom and Dad about it and we learned that some people ask for sponsors before they get their hair cut. I can donate my hair - and also raise money for charity!
I love playing hockey and this year I am playing for the Kemptville Royals U11 Rep B team. If I ever hurt my head - or anyone on my team ever hurt their head - they would need a CT Scan right away!
So, I am asking everyone to help me raise $1800 for the Kemptville Hospital CT Scanner by November 23rd, when I will cut my "flow" after my hockey game (that's hockey talk for a player's long hair). The puck drops for the Kemptville Royals vs. North Dundas Demons at noon. Come out for the game and stay to cheer me on during my hair cut at 1:30 pm!
If just 100 people donate $18 (a special number that stands for "life" in Hebrew) I will reach my goal.”
Joanne Mavis, Executive Director, KDH Foundation said, “this is a remarkable initiative from this young man! He understands the community importance of having this diagnostic tool close to home. Thank you – and good luck!”
Beneshi will be accepting donations at the upcoming local Royals hockey games and other locations around the area.
Donations to “Beneshi’s Haircut for KDH CT Scanner” can also be made online. Select the drop-down menu, “Please direct my donation to” and select “Beneshi’s Haircut for KDH CT Scanner”. A tax receipt will be provided by the KDH Foundation.
For more information, stories and photos visit the CT Scanner Crossroads Campaign page.