Acadia alumna Becca Webster (’13) and her sister Katie shaved their heads on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 to raise awareness of and funds for cancer research.  Becca, currently in her first year of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), was Class President at Acadia in 2013 and is now a board member of the Associated Alumni of Acadia University (AAAU).

Why are you doing this fundraiser? What prompted your interest in raising money to fight cancer?

I have been involved with Relay for Life since my first year at Acadia and participated twice each year. I also organized a separate fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada with a few other young women in the summer of 2010.

Cancer has affected many of my loved ones and I have always tried to raise money for cancer research. I have wanted to donate my hair for a few years now, but I had to wait until all of the hair that would have been bleached grew out. From that point, I needed to make sure it was long enough to donate. This year I was more involved with Relay for Life as a committee member and thought I would do even more by donating my hair. I decided I would cut it all off and shave whatever was left.

I set a fundraising goal of $2,500 and knew that more people would be willing to donate if I shaved my head. I have surpassed that goal and will donate my hair to an organization called Locks of Love. Locks of Love makes wigs for children who have experienced hair loss due to cancer treatments or other illnesses.

How did your sister get involved?

A few years ago my sister, Katie, and I had talked about donating our hair together. However, she decided to do so last year before I was ready. She has always been extremely supportive of me and this time was no different. After reaching my goal of $2,500, she said she would shave her head completely bald with me if I reached $3,000. Although she keeps her hair short and will not have enough length to donate at this time, she decided to shave her head for awareness and to provide another incentive for those providing monetary support.

What kind of support have you received from the Acadia alumni community?

I formed many connections and lifelong friends during my time at Acadia. I am very thankful for the encouragement and monetary support that I received from fellow alumni as well as current students, faculty, and staff.

Is the money raised earmarked for a specific area of research?

The money raised will help fund cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society, but not necessarily any specific area of research.  

Did you shave your head bald? Were you nervous?

I shaved my head without a guard to remove as much hair as possible. I was extremely excited to donate my hair and shave my head, but I have to admit that I experienced some mixed emotions. I was a little nervous about how it would look and how long it would take to grow back.

However, I only plan to do this once and I know that someone needs my hair more than I do. I feel as though children fighting a disease should have the opportunity to wear a wig if it helps to increase their self-esteem or make them feel better in public. I am now comfortable with who I am and, even if I look better with hair, I know that it will grow back.

I will also be accepting donations for three more weeks. I have a new goal of $5,000 – I am trying to be the top fundraiser in the province, even though I was already the top individual fundraiser at the MUN event. Online donations can be made at convio.cancer.ca/goto/webster

View the photo gallery at:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/acadiauniversity/sets/72157639736054275. Photos by Alysha Mehta.