A few months ago, I received a phone call from a dad who’s girl was going through cancer for the second time. She had just turned 15 and was put on heavier medications to try to get rid of the cancer. As a result, she lost her hair and her will to live. She quit school, would not see any of her friends, cancelled a planned family vacation, and wouldn’t even leave the house. At one point she told her mom and dad that she was going to quit the chemotherapy and she didn’t care if she died. Absolutely distraught, her parents went to speak to Dan Mornar at B.C. Children’s Hospital. Dan told them of the Wigs for Kids program and they convinced their daughter to go down to Eva & Co. Wigs and see about getting a wig. The great people at Eva’s showed her different styles and textures and colours of hair and they came up with something she was pleased with. Eva’s told her that they would rush the making of the wig and she would have it within the week. Her dad said from that point on she was a different girl. She went back to school, went out with friends and even attended our last Wigs for Kids event. He just wanted to call and tell us that of all the wonderful things that B.C. Children’s Hospital did for his daughter, the wig had the greatest impact on her life.” - Bev Friesen

This true story shows just how important small things are in a child’s life. On March 29th, 2008, Bev Friesen and her friends will be hosting the 3rd annual Wigs for Kids silent auction at the Steveston Community Centre. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and businesses, $70,000 was raised last year for the program which benefits kids from all over the province who have lost their hair to cancer or other serious illnesses. This year, they are looking for more donations to further this worthy cause. To find out how you or your business can help make a tremendous difference in a child’s life, please read on…

BC Children’s Hospital is the primary treatment centre for all childhood diseases in our province. In 2006, more than 170,000 children and their families visited BCCH on an in-patient or out-patient basis. One of the more challenging childhood diseases they treat is cancer. Last year they saw more than 150 new cases of pediatric cancer from more than 200 communities across our province. Along with the newly diagnosed children, they have more than 350 children in active treatment and over 1,200 in long term follow-up treatment.

It is very encouraging for children, families and health care professionals when people like Bev Friesen and her friends decide they are going to make a difference. Because their raised funds exist, it is possible for physicians, nurses, social workers and other health care professionals to obtain a wig for every child undergoing cancer treatment who needs one. Whether or not hair loss will occur in patients receiving chemotherapy depends on the drugs and dosage given. Since drastic changes in children’s and teenagers’ appearance can undermine their self-image and hinder their self-esteem, wigs go a long way in helping to boost their confidence, allowing them to experience life with fun and dignity.

Thank you in advance for any support you might be able to offer Bev Friesen and her friends as they strive to brighten the lives of seriously ill children.

Some examples of the items that people have been donating for the silent auction:

• Hotel packages
• Golf packages
• Spa packages
• Restaurant packages
• New clothing
• Sports memorabilia
• Home furnishings
• Electronics

Receipts are available upon request. Donations will be accepted until March 28.

If you would like to offer a monetary or an auction item donation, or simply have a question about Wigs for Kids, please contact Bev Friesen or Barb Bakke:

Bev Friesen: 604.271.8422 or 604.340.5489
Barb Bakke: 604.272.5544