"On May 8, I will be shaving my head to help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.
Across Canada, over 10,000 kids are battling cancer today. These children face tremendous physical and emotional burdens, along with their families. In truly tragic circumstances, many children are battling cancer with tremendous courage. They face tremendous physical and emotional burdens, along with their families. In my own small way, I am honoured to stand in solidarity with these children. By doing so, I hope that children and families that are facing cancer will be encouraged and that progress can be made in the quest to cure childhood cancers for good.
Each year, a team of medical students at the University of Ottawa shave their heads to raise awareness and funds for Childhood Cancer Canada. It is my privilege to be part of the team this year.
If you would like to support this cause, please visit my fundraiser page (see below)! All proceeds go to Childhood Cancer Canada research, education and community projects.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact me. Thank you all. God bless."
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Donate to support Darrell: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1071118&pg=personal&fr_id=1070
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"On May 8th, I will be shaving my head to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancers. Cancer is such a widespread disease and many of us have been touched by it in some form. I've always found it painful to accept that our current treatments for such a disease can have a devastating impact on the quality of people’s lives. However, the hope that we have the potential to find a cure, with fewer side-effects is tremendously comforting and delightful; a hope that is reasonable based on how far we've come in cancer research; a hope that owes itself to our contribution through donating our money and time to this cause; a hope that is very real if we are all determined to achieve it!!!

Every year, medical students at the University of Ottawa give up their hair for this important cause. I am honoured to be among those students this year. I have set the goal of $1000 for my campaign!!! If you would like to contribute to this great cause on my page (link below) and help spread the word, it would mean a lot (it'll only take a few minutes of your time). You can write in your resume that you were responsible for me going bald (just kidding))

Some of my amazing classmates are also running similar campaigns. I'm sure they also appreciate your support!!!"

Donate to support Mohammed: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1071080&pg=personal&fr_id=1070
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"I decided to participate this year in shave for the cure because I was very inspired by friends who decided to donate hair last year. I looked up to them, bravely parting with their strands so that they could share them with those who need them. Now that I’m going through the preliminary stages and fundraising, I’m getting more and more excited for the big day. I believe that to me hair is just hair, but for those kids going through cancer treatment, it’s more. When I shave it off, it will grow back and I can enjoy every step of growth along the way. I also know that by shaving my head, it encourages others to donate to Childhood Cancer Canada. This foundation promotes research into childhood cancers and provides support and resources to families. As well as being transparent in their financial dealings; making their yearly audits available at the bottom of their website, I believe that this Foundation does good in the world and I want to do my part."

Donate to support Izabeau: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1071045&pg=personal&fr_id=1070
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"Through my lifetime and journey through medical school, I've learned that for many it's not the difficult chapters of our lives that we remember the most, but the small moments that made it better during it. Sometimes, we forget we take things for granted: if the simple act of donating my hair can make somebody's journey trough cancer just a little better, then the decision is easy. More children than we think have to fight cancer. Most of them win the fight, but not all of them do. My hope is to see the money raised from this event contribute to making the battle of these brave children easier."

Donate to support Marissa: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1071083&pg=personal&fr_id=1070
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"I've never done anything with music/acting/dancing in this kind of environment and to this extent before. It's been a super scary and intimidating experience but, also a very fun and challenging opportunity that is pushing me way outside of my comfort zone. I'm very glad to be pushing myself to try new things with such a supportive and positive group of people. We are so very excited to share with others what we have been working so very hard on. "

Buy your tickets to MedShow 2017: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/once-upon-a-med-school-tickets-33049255212

"Since I started medical school in September I have made the conscious decision to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone as much as possible. Enter MedShow. I have always wanted to be in a play. Even though I am not a singer and it is a musical I figured this was my chance. I had better take it!! I also needed something to help break me of my hermit tendencies. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. I cannot believe how many amazingly talented MD2020s there are! When you spend such a ridiculous amount of time with people you cannot help but come to love them all. You become so much more than just classmates.  As opening night draws closer I am awed more and more by just how spectacular the show is going to be. I only hope that I can do this masterpiece justice playing the part of Aurora. For those of you who don’t know, that is the real name of Sleeping Beauty. And yes, I sleep on stage… multiple times! And yes, I have to sing, but I am okay with that. The support I have gotten from all of the cast and crew has been tremendous! I only hope I can make them all as proud of me as I am of them!"

Buy your tickets to MedShow 2017: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/once-upon-a-med-school-tickets-33049255212

"Why would someone who has never sung or danced before join Med Show? I’m still asking myself that question as I practice lifting another girl off the floor. When I signed up for Med Show I didn’t know what to expect, I just knew I wanted to get more involved in extracurriculars and spend more time doing something other than studying. However, I knew that I didn’t want a big role, I just wanted to be an extra. I forgot the time that extra sign ups opened up and when I finally remembered less than an hour later, all the extra positions I wanted were already filled. I managed to get a spot singing as a francophone student. I also really wanted to be part of the cell block dance scene since it seemed like an interesting experience, but all the female dancing spots were filled. I spontaneously decided to sign up as a male dancer, not really knowing what that would entail. Turns out it entailed me having sore biceps for a week after every practice. I think Med Show is a great way to bring our entire 2020 class together for a tradition that has been part of uOttawa med for years. I’ve been able to see students in the English stream that I would usually not see, and it’s also a great opportunity for the more talented students to apply and show us these skills. I’ve been so amazed by all the talent we have in our year, and I would’ve never gotten to see this if it weren’t for Med Show. For someone with almost no experience in acting, dancing or singing, Med Show has been such a special experience. Everyone’s been so kind and encouraging, it’s made me remember how great the class of MD 2020 is when we aren’t so stressed by exams. I don’t regret signing up for Med Show at all even if every time I need to lift up my dance partner, I’m scared I might drop her. I can’t wait for everyone to see the end result and I suggest that if you ever have the opportunity to try something new, go for it!"

Buy your tickets to MedShow 2017: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/once-upon-a-med-school-tickets-33049255212

"The popular adage, “life isn’t fair”, can be an unfortunate truth. The ice cream falls off your cone, thunderstorms ruin your camping plans, a five year old child is diagnosed with cancer. Life can be unfair to the smallest and largest degrees. However, despite its frequent truth, I am often bothered by the passive, hopeless manner in which it is regularly stated when the potential for change exists. This year, I am shaving my head to change the situation of children and their families affected by cancer in Canada. I am shaving my head to make a statement that hair does not define a person. I am shaving my head to raise funds and awareness for a condition that takes lives, breaks families, and instills fear. I am shaving my head to contribute to research that will allow children to experience a childhood and adult life outside of the walls of a hospital. By shaving my head I hope to support change for the thousands of children in Canada that courageously battle cancer day in and day out. Life does not always have to be unfair."

​Donate to support Marissa: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1006635&pg=personal&fr_id=1070​
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"My name is Sara-Michelle, I am a first year medical student. I am very happy to donate my hair this year for Childhood Cancer Canada. I heard about this event before getting into medical school and I told all my loved ones that upon getting in, I would participate. It is such a wonderful cause and I have a bunch of hair so I figured why not cut them and give them to children in need? My maternal grandmother passed away when I was two years old from pancreatic cancer and it was really hard on my mom and my family and still is to this day. My family and I participate in Relay for life every year to show our support to cancer survivors and pay our respect to those who passed away... This cause is really close to my heart and I hope that by donating my hair and collecting as much money as possible, I will have a small impact into making sure that children affected by cancer get to live a long life free of this disease."

Donate to support Sara-Michelle: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1071046&pg=personal&fr_id=1070
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"I first heard about the Smiling Over Sickness Shave for the Cure event the day of my medical school interview. I immediately thought it sounded like something I would do. My life changed with my UOttawa MD2020 acceptance but my decision to shave my head did not. I even remember mentioning to people during orientation week that I was already planning on participating! When the time came, I knew what I was doing was right!
My reasons for doing this are two-fold. Obviously I hope to be able to raise funds for such an important cause - I have set myself the goal of $1500 - but it is so much more than that. I want to take this opportunity to put myself in the shoes of those I hope to help and give up my hair for the sake of cancer. It is a poor comparison, as I have a choice in the matter. However, a woman with a shaved head will not go un-noticed. I will get looks and stares and questions. Questions I will be more than happy to answer because raising awareness is just as important as raising money. If my doing this can positively impact the life of just one child dealing with cancer, then my hair is a small price to pay.
Ever since officially announcing my plan to shave my head, people repeatedly tell me how brave I am to be doing this. But to be honest I don’t feel brave at all. Shaving my head is nothing. It pales in comparison to the bravery of those effected by childhood cancer. Those for whom every day, every step, every breath takes a momentous effort of will power and strength. Yet, they still carry on. They continue to fight. That is true bravery."

Donate to support Kaitlyn: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/site/TR/Events/ThirdPartyEvents?px=1070056&pg=personal&fr_id=1070​
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa

"I’ve donated my hair a few times before now, but this is definitely the most drastic cut. The first time was when I was 7 years old. My aunt had stage 4 cancer, and was living with us while undergoing treatment. I didn’t even understand the gravity of the situation until she started losing her hair. My mother mentioned getting her a wig, and both me and my little sister cut our hair to help out. It was the first time either of us had ever gotten a real hair cut. My aunt sadly lost her battle, but the whole experience of having her with us brought my family so much closer. I was so inspired last year at Shave for the Cure last year, and I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of it. If cutting my hair can make even a small impact, it’s worth it - I have the privilege of growing it back."

Donate to support Amanda: http://support.childhoodcancer.ca/goto/Amandastanton
In support of the Smiling Over Sickness Event at the University of Ottawa
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"Last April I participated in a fundraiser with the interest group Smiling over Sickness to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research. This involved me advertising the event over social media; creating a fundraising page on the uOttawa chapter and ultimately getting a free haircut and a freshly shaved head… Every time one of my classmates would comment on how bravely I acted, I would immediately deflect these compliments. It was difficult for me to perceive my actions as brave or courageous in any way. I was a healthy, adult woman who made the decision to shave my head. Compared to children who had little say in their illness, treatment plan and loss their hair due to the toxic side effects of their medication, I had difficult time lumping those two things together. When I saw my (and the 3 other women that decided to shave their heads as well) face in the Ottawa Citizen, I just kept wondering why I didn’t see any of the faces from CHEO instead…As someone uncomfortable with drawing attention to myself, I need to realize that this may be something I need to work on and overcome in order to better serve those I want to advocate for. If the narrative of me doing something brave or seeing my picture in the newspaper opens up a dialogue for childhood cancer research or stem cell donation or where someone can donate, then I need to embrace the attention and direct it towards those who are not privileged enough have a voice that is being heard."

"I've actually gone swimming with a Whale Shark. We were in Hawaii on a pontoon boat tour, and our guides said to jump into the ocean to join the shark...so I did. My mom's face was priceless."

"How I approach life, wellness, and positivity is to not take yourself so seriously all the time and to not stress, worry, and sweat the small stuff in life - and it's all small stuff. Also I think that happiness is a bit overrated, for pure bliss and joy can only exist with sorrow and melancholy, feeling a range of emotions is what makes life dynamic and real. A state of contentment on where you are in this current moment and to live in the present moment and appreciate each step of the journey is all there is to it."

"I entered naturopathic medical school with a focus on cancer care as I had seen close family and friends afflicted by the condition. I felt a sense of urgency and drive to learn how to manage cancer patients using naturopathic therapies because I believe that while conventional therapies are life-saving, we can take it a step further by integrating naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes primary prevention and offers several strategies to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, the safe application of appropriate naturopathic modalities while the patient is receiving first-line cytotoxic therapies has the potential to enhance the efficacy of such therapies. It is also possible to mitigate adverse side effects thereby enhancing patients’ quality of life as they receive conventional therapy. Moreover, after the patient has completed surgery, chemo or radiation, a naturopathic doctor can actively work them to maintain health and reduce their chances of recurrence. Each system of medicine has its own values and limitations but an integrative model allows the healthcare team to work in the patients’ best interest and it is in this spirit that I am pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine."

"What drew me initially to naturopathic medicine was the emphasis on prevention of diseases through lifestyle and diet changes. Naturopathic doctors can help decrease the burden on the current healthcare system by providing patients the opportunity to discuss their health concerns, prioritize, and set goals for managing their concerns. The nature of our profession fosters an environment where individualized care is heavily emphasized so that the patient's lifestyle, preference, and values are prioritized to ensure compliance and satisfaction. Ideally, naturopathic doctors work alongside other healthcare professionals as a part of the patient's healthcare team. An integrated healthcare system allows for patient-centered care where ALL patients' concerns are addressed; by collaborating with each other, not only are all healthcare providers involved fully informed of their professional counterparts' involvement, but are also better able to distribute and collaborate on patient concerns."

“We are about celebrating life. We are about making it the best we can for these children and families. There are more happy times than there are sad moments. And we measure them as moments because of all the happy times that take place here. To help a family and a child with a medically complex diagnosis, it’s an honour and privilege. Somebody has to do it.”

“Kids realize very early on that you aren’t around all the time. My five-year-old ran after me a few weeks ago after I had said goodbye and said to me, ‘are you going to be working every weekend?’ He realized it was the weekend and you are not supposed to work on the weekends. You are supposed to be with your family. I have to be honest, there is always this guilt. But you have to talk to them. It’s not just a job. It’s not just a career. It’s medicine and you dedicate your life to this. But my family and my kids still hold a very important place in my life. So when I am around, or when I come home at the end of the day, I make sure there are activities planned together so that they realize they are important to me. I do things like accompanying my daughter and my son to music classes as much as possible. I make sure we always have lunch together on Sundays. I always try to do something together once a week as a family.
 
Make sure when you are spending time with your family, you take advantage to spend that time well and when you are away working, you let them know that they hold a very important place in your life. It’s really important you talk to them about your work. (remove kids will understand as it is there twice!) Kids will understand how important the work is if you keep them informed.”