ASHLEIGH MATTERN
Editor-in-Chief

Amy Gryba lost 16 inches of hair on Nov. 13.

One of the organizers behind the fundraising event Cuts for a Cure, Gryba first decided she wanted to cut her hair for cancer during the summer but decided to make an event of it.

The result was a hair drive and fundraiser supporting the cancer agency at the Royal University Hospital and Locks of Love, a charity that provides hairpieces to children with cancer.

“A lot of my family has been affected by cancer,” she said. “I’ve had numerous great aunts and uncles pass away from cancer, and within the year we found out my mom’s cousin has cancer of the throat. It just keeps getting closer and closer to home. It’s just time to do something.”

John Rutherford, an arts and science student, was one of the participants on Friday. He had been growing his hair for two years, waiting until it was long enough to donate.

“My mom survived breast cancer four years ago,” he said. “I thought why not grow out my hair to donate? I like my hair short so I had to put myself through turmoil; I had to put myself to discomfort for a long period of time, though nothing compared (to what she went through).”

After donating his 10 inches of hair, Rutherford said he feels a lot better: “It’s a little cold but a lot more comfortable.”

It’s not the first time he’s shown support for cancer patients; he also has a tattoo on his forearm that says “Find a cure” with a flower to symbolize his mom and the cancer ribbon.

The event took place in Lower Place Riel. The hair salon Untangled Hair Group closed up shop for the day and donated their time to the fundraiser, offering $10 for a hair cut, $15 for a cut and style, or a free hair cut if participants donated six inches of hair or more. All money made went to the fundraiser.

Gryba personally raised $500, winning a bet with a friend that she would be able to raise that amount. The stakes were that he would cut his hair if she was successful.

A few of the braver participants chose to shave their heads to show support, but it wasn’t necessary to do so.

The event was in partnership with the Saskatoon Engineering Students’ Society and the Saskatoon Nursing Students’ Society.

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photo: Robby Davis