One boy’s attempt at helping to fight cancer

Johnny Skuce, 11, will cut his hair for cancer during the Central Frontenac Relay for Life, June 15 in Parham.

Have you ever been so touched or moved by an event that you felt the desire to do something, anything to help? Well, that’s how Johnny Skuce felt when he attended last year’s Relay for Life in Parham. Last year, Robbie Shields had his hair cut for cancer and witnessing this, Johnny thought that was something he could do as his hair had already started to grow quite long. No, Johnny doesn’t have cancer, but he wants to do what he can to raise money to help others affected by cancer.

Seeing the number of people who turned out to an event in support of such a great cause that affects so many people, Johnny, 11 years of age, felt he needed to get involved. Like many of us, he too has had family members that have battled this disease. His Grandma Crease is a survivor of colon cancer, and fought hard to not let it get her; later, this very thing took the life of her husband, Johnny’s Grandpa Crease. There are a number of community members that Johnny is aware of that have faced the challenge and everyone deals differently, but maintaining a positive attitude and a good outlook on the end result definitely helps. No one can understand the pain of losing someone close to you and we can’t take away the seriousness of the disease, but together we can stand strong and do our best to help others.

Being overwhelmed by the number of people who have been touched by cancer, and the fact that a schoolmate had lost her dad to cancer at a young age, Johnny felt he needed to do something.

That something is cutting his hair for cancer. This year at our Relay, June 15, Johnny will have his hair cut, with it being donated to the Cancer Society. He is collecting sponsors both on paper and on line, so if you believe in what Johnny is doing, please sponsor him – no matter how big or small a donation – we can make a difference. To sponsor Johnny online, visit

http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_ON_even_?px=4355467&pg=personal&fr_id=10605. You will be glad you did.

When asked, Johnny is very humble about cutting his hair. He says he’s getting used to it being long and Mom Karen isn’t really sure what he’s going to look like with short hair but is very happy that Johnny’s long brown hair will be going to someone in need.

The Committee for North & Central Frontenac Relay for Life 2012 would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come to the Parham Ball Field on June 15 and witness the power of our small, but mighty, community. You don’t have to be on a team or spend the night, although with the line-up of entertainment and activities, you may just want to! Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:45 p.m. followed by the unforgettable Survivor’s walk – those who have survived their battle with Cancer. At dusk, you will be overwhelmed with emotion when you witness the luminary ceremony, where we light the luminaries that line the track, in honour of those who have survived and to remember those that have been lost to this powerful disease. Luminaries can be purchased for $5 online, or by picking up forms which are available in Sharbot Lake at the Royal Bank of Canada and Gray’s Grocery, in Parham at Hope’s General Store and in Verona at Topper’s.

So please, let’s make cancer history and spend the night together on June 15.