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Balding for Dollars nets hundreds of bald heads and $200,000 for B.C. Children's Hospital

When asked why she brought Balding for Dollars to Squamish, Cindy Turner-Gulycz says the same thing all participants say: "It's for the kids." Turner-Gulycz's son Nicholas was diagnosed with cancer at age 5 and endured three years of chemotherapy.

When asked why she brought Balding for Dollars to Squamish, Cindy Turner-Gulycz says the same thing all participants say: "It's for the kids."

Turner-Gulycz's son Nicholas was diagnosed with cancer at age 5 and endured three years of chemotherapy. That's when she and her family began shaving.

"We had a big family party and all of us shaved when he was losing his hair the first time and we shaved for three years after," she said.

The following year was the first Balding for Dollars in Squamish, and it was an immediate hit. Approximately 30 people raised over $30,000 for BC Children's Hospital. The following year, 100 participants raised $50,000.

"We have the regulars that show up every year," said Turner-Gulycz. "It's great, a huge community support."

Over the last six years, the fundraiser has averaged 100 participants raising $30,000 annually. And there are at least two or three participants each year with hair long enough to be used for a wig.

Watching dozens of people shaving their heads in a show of support is a solace to cancer patients and their loved ones, said Turner-Gulycz who recalls how one young patient reacted by removing her hat and saying "I'm proud to be bald."

Turner-Gulycz stopped shaving a few years ago, and last year was Nicholas's first year not shaving, but his father continues to shave every year. Nicholas is now 12 and doing great, said Turner-Gulycz.

"Every year we see huge progress and strength and big change."

Balding for Dollars will be held at Squamish Station shopping centre Saturday (April 2) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be prizes, hot dogs, face painting, a bouncerama and performances by Bluesberry Jam and Fretwork.

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