Edmonton Rush Shave

Yesterday started with the last Kali Pink BBQ at Sobeys. They brought in the Olympic torch and more peeps came to help out to help. Tammy was far past exhaustion, (bordering on grumpy) so I decided to ditch and break my "coffee / sugar rule". Enduring the line up in the Timmies drive through seemed so worth it to enjoy a LARGE coffee - reallllly sweet, realllly creamy.

My 2 hour break served me well. By 4:00 we were hoofin it to Rexall for the RUSH game. Snagged Tory (our miracle brat) and used her cell phone to make another crank call to 780-444-9467 along the way.

Weazie and Nadine, Steven, Christie, Hannah Banana, Kali Bear and of course Nicki (who had scooped my girls earlier to help plaster Rexall with posters) were all geared up for another "what happens at RUSH stays at RUSH. Of course, it's the Bear thats the biggest concern (but not the only....). His behaviour hit a new level last night... security, handcuffs, I won't even go there. Pictures say a thousands words so I am gonna leverage my time. This is the link to our pictures on Hair Massacure Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=191972&id=660921997

I sure hope he behaves himself at the mall..... I know he will cause Weazie and Christie will be busy. Flat Christie is the one on the banner. She's trouble. Weazie is just plain 27-7 trouble. She too is flat Weazie (on another banner).

Gord took Tory and Kali to the media center and spoke about our 2 miracles while Nicki tried to keep the bear in line.

We met a very nice pink family, thats always so inspiring to see.

Genevieve and Sam from GV's came out with clippers for the final shave, they are wonderful to this event. We all took a swipe on a RUSH (except the bear - who was a little rough, he left gouges). These players are really are a lot of fun and have so much heart.

Someone I know has a huge crush on one of them... but I wont reveal who cause Nicki told me not to.....

McDonald's supports MacDonald's

I am dedicating my blog to one of our sponsors - McDonald's..... more importantly Jaime Caza.

Jaime is the community relations representative, and the very reason we have this level of support from 29 corporate restaurants.

I met Jaime in 2006 when I was looking for food to feed our volunteers for our Guinness Event at WEM.

Jaime was a "sponsor" for the first year... until she became friend. I typically like to get to know our sponsors on a personal level because there is a human side to this, not just money.

I liked Jaime and enjoyed a coffee here and there until coffees turned into breakfasts, which turned into birthday parties, special invites, exchange of personal info, and frequent check-ins by phone or facebook.

Last year Gord and I believed Jaime may qualify as a wish mom. Being the humble soul she is, she had difficulty getting her head around this idea - not to mention this is a slap in the face when you realize and have to say out loud that your child has a life threatening illness. Anyone that has ever met Jaime's daughter would never guess - she hides things as well as her mother. This child has some spunk and a keen sense of humor. I am proud of the fact that Jaime allowed her to be my wish child. The Kaza family was well taken care of by Make-A-Wish, and someone special spent some time in Atlantis with Joe Jonas. I believe she now refers to herself as "Mrs. Jonas".

The woman that gives so much has a difficult time receiving (as I said she is very humble...).

She is always thinking of others.

Not only has Jaime made it possible to feed my growing number of volunteers and events, but she made it possible for the restaurants to sell Kali Bears. This is huge! Last year 16,000 bears were sold for us - all profit. They are doing it again, with more enthusiasm than ever! Kali and I have met with the managers. Kali thanked them all for selling her. They are great people.

Jaime has shared her support from McDonalds, her ideas, her morale support , and her friends. This woman has great friends. I am privileged to be accepted into the pack, so her peeps have become my peeps. Like hangs with like, so it all works.

Let me just add that these guys know how to party! What a fun group of people!!

Christie hangs on a banner, so I see her often. I call her "Flat Christie". She goes to every event.

I hear from Christie daily. She is now an avid supporter of Tammy and Massacure. She also loves tuning me in, and not afraid to tell me how much she cares... or where to go.

Christie has in tow a Ginger - thats her sister. Another proud supporter.

I have more wonderful relationships with most of our "sponsors" that have become personal friends.

I truly feel blessed.

Neil M Ross / LOXX

Thursday we (Meagan - Kali Bear) and I were at Neil M Ross in St.ALbert for a presentation. This is a very excited elementary school. I would say there were at least 100 heads in the crowds lead by a passionate leader - Brett Arlinghouse. He is featured both on my van and in our Bald is Beautiful pics.

Kali Bear is always a huge hit at this school. Meagan eats this up like candy. We eventually have to send her to the back of the gym or she will cause so much distraction that the speaking and DVD presentation goes to waste. She is typically quiet, polite and subtle (out of bear)

During my little talk with the kids, I happened to mention that my daughter is a stylist and LOVES pinking kids. I mentioned the location of her salon and suggested that it was not too late..... I think the bear liked that cause he was jumping and waving at me from the back of the gym. After the presentation, the kids mauled the bear.

I watched this big pink blob get swallowed up by the masses and then he went down, but he managed to roll away.

Today (Friday) I saw Megs and she was smiling at me, but her jaw must have been sore cause she was smiling with her teeth clenched. Maybe its all the gum she's been chewing lately. Could see the sinew in the muscles in her cheeks, looked really chizzled like Rambo.

I thought it was wonderful for her career that she received a surge of kids like that wanting to pink asap. She loves to feel needed. Her other clients don't even mind having to re-book. Our tv pinking that suddenly switched days was not a problem either. In fact she was so happy about that, she went to the liquor store. Think she is celebrating.

I don't need to go there. Nicki does that for me. She wanted to be one step ahead of Gord. She says the wine is a treat, but I'm confused about that cause she said the treat was more for her....

We were pinking at Carrie's salon LOXX today. Well... Kyrsti and Megs pinked. Carrie told me to relax and just take pictures, and not to touch the sink. She said the 2 water stains on the ceiling remind her of me. FRED spent the morning there. Saw his first baby and wanted to roll against it. The kids that pinked loved having him there. He only burped once.

An elderly lady went full pink too - she was a gorgeous woman and looked stunning!

780-444-9467 was there too (Pat). We have known each other for the last 13 years, so we love hanging out. She still has her heart on.... the back of her head. Carrie put Pats daughter on the blow dryer, Kyrsti with the bleach. Forced child labour folks - its awesome. Pat and I are really into this. Our plan will be that her daughter will take the phone and schedule shave times, my daughters will divvy up my duties and Pat and I will drink beer.

Stuff

Lets see...

Took Kali Bear to the vet this morning for a check up and a prescription for a new fan and an ice vest. He is now scheduled in for a bath and a groom - check.

Took Fred to the Stollery (foundation) for a visit. Took us forever to get past security. I don't think it protocol to takes pictures with phones and ask for poses. Maybe they are just really friendly. Next time we will use the stairs and stuff him into the mascot bag. Much quicker to get into a building.

As Nicki and I sat in the lobby inhaling her moms baking and chugging tea, we noted a dozen interruptions to pet, photograph or hug.

FRED was a good boy upstairs as we unleashed the pink beast to visit with our fellow staff that work at the foundation. Working away in their cubicles, it was fun to watch the surprised reaction to the new guest (who's long tongue matches his fur). All he wants is a cuddle and is relentless until he gets one. Not one fart today, no belches - I think he may get a good evaluation. I was so proud. Maybe its the wheat free diet. I took him off of teddy bears too, and that made a difference with the gas.

Next was acupuncture. ahhhhhhhhh..... Both Kyrsti and I this time. Apparently she now has mommy brain and hasn't slept in weeks. It really helps. We don't drink for several hours after cause it will just leak out anyways.

Last (like there is a last...) was the accumulated emails and messages that awaited my day while out and about. McDonalds has already run out of Kali Bears to sell. Paper bears - sell for 1.00 in 29 corporate restaurants. Last year they sold 16,000.00 - all for our cause. This year, Lord knows how many - they are going gangbusters! I love McDonalds people! Thats upcoming in my blog - my connection with Ronny. Support MCD's and buy a Kali Bear!

Pinking at Primeau

Today we pinked over 50 kids at Primeau School - all with Kali Pink!

Because of their large order of this pink, they were awarded with a free Johnsonville lunch (compliments of our friend Collin).

It was a terrific day! This school has a lot of spirit and I know many of these kids and staff members. These kids know Kali too. She played herself (the bear) and that was cute, although I wonder if perhaps she did it to avoid..... nah... she liked it.

We now have a system of school pinkings. Really brings the kids together. Makes sense - shave together, why not pink together! Gibbons started this trend 5 years ago, it sure caught on.

I have pinked more heads over the years, I should go for my licence.... but it's more fun to pretend. 23 years ago, that was my plan - Marvel. Meagan had a different plan..... a better plan.

7 kids with streaks, 2 1/2 full heads in 2.5 hours - Boo ya! It's just fun - I love it.

Sometimes I like to help out at LOXX with their pinking. Carrie still lets me put on a smock, but wont let me rinse anymore since the "waterstain on the ceiling" incident. I get to share my expertise, offer any necessary training, and they totally appreciate it. I think one time Carrie said I was number one. She even provided a gesture for that. This comes up a lot, even when I am driving.... especially when I am driving. Feels good to be noticed.

Yep... in my next life I am coming back as a stylist.

CISN Countdown

Monday was another full day. Presentation at a new school in the Grove. Great kids, new with us this year. I met a Wish child there and a young pink boy with a pink family and brain tumor. I actually met them before at the grove at IGA. The school is inspired by these kids.

Later that afternoon Kali and I skipped out on a crazy bleaching event taking place at GH Primeau after school. My next post will update their pinking.

We trucked over to CISN and met with our friend Chris to do the top 6 countdown.

Kali surprised me! Her shyness I have grown accustomed to - so I did not expect her to pull off the radio voice I heard. Not only did Kali actually lean into the mic, but she projected her voice and offered much more than her traditional one word answers. I am still not used to her coming out of her shell.

We sat with Chris for a bit and discussed various stories with a "movie theater" theme. Chris offered a funny story about loosing his family at Avatar. He then asked me if we have seen Blind side. I offered my theatre story of loosing my family at the Grandin Theater (with a whopping 7 people to make this much worse). Long story short.... I misplaced my seat next to Mansy and sat next to a man and his wife and child. Would not have been so traumatic had I not cuddled in for 10 minutes and then made away with his coat. Mandy's frantic efforts of turning around, waving and calling me were a complete waste. Anyways... my point of this - Chris shares this on air as I drive home. Good thing I have grown a thick skin through the many years of Tammy moments and have become immune to embarrassment.

Will catch you up with the school that bleached.....

Sobeys / Johnsonville / Kali Pink / going loopy.

Today was 1/2 day at St.Albert Sobeys promoting Massacure and Kali Pink. Another free Johnsonville BBQ, live cut ins with CISN Country Cruiser, and time with my loyal and wonderful peeps. My son-in-law Steven, and our other Steven (new to the team of crazies) assisted Collin Parker (our wonderful angel from Johnsonville) in the cold as Collin BBQ'd while they served up 240 Johnsonville Brats. All for this promotion.....

Folks, lets get one thing straight - I am not promoting this pink to benefit you, I am doing this to benefit me. If I don't find a way to SOON to reduce the pink traffic frequenting certain participating salons, I worry that the stylists and salon owners will force me to eat a pink hair sandwhich.

I brought fresh baked cookies and MORE PINK for GV's in Morinville, their salon can barely keep up with this enthusiastic PINK town! Mel - well, she's driving all over the place and living on her prosthesis (phone) to accommodate folks. Other salons I know are feeling it too. They do it all for the cause, unselfishly - but if I can get some pink into more homes (from Sobeys) then maybe I wont have to eat hair.

Back to the PINK.....Today F.R.E.D (Family Run Event Dog) graced us with his presence at Sobeys.

CISN announced that St. Albert Sobeys had a pink Massacure dog, and some came just to check it out. I was so proud of FRED. He didn't fart once, lick himself or belch. And don't kid yourself - dogs are NOT colour blind. He knows he's pink, and he knows that gets attention. FRED's a suck and he gets to be a chic magnet.

It always surprises me how many passerbyers stop and ask if he was born that way. I always say yes. Sometimes I tell them that his mom was white and dad was red. Sometimes my tale appeases them, I will assume that they haven't found out about the Easter Bunny either.

Tomorrow my plan is to take a day off. I asked Nicki to do the same as neither of us can remember the last one.

Both of us are needing Preparation H (for the bags under the eyes), and I am starting to take a toll now on how many Hot Chocolates Nicki consumes in one day.

I started pounding back a glass of wine every night (which is rare for this chic, but Gord keeps my supply up for the sake of the children). I come home, unhinge my jaw and dump in like a giant shooter. By Feb 12, my acupuncturist (Leslee) will be harpooning every square inch of my body just to teach me a lesson.

PINKING OF THE EDMONTON RUSH

Yesterday Kali was all too excited to skip out on school (with sister Kyrsti in tow). It was the 4th year that we had the privilege of the pink with 5 Edmonton Rush players.

Chris Mcelroy, team captain has lead his boys in our awareness campaign since 07.

To watch these fellows in action, one would not expect them to be as fun and personable as well know them to be. They're BIG and mean down there on the field, but the nicest guys you'd ever meet.

Edmonton Sun, CBC and City TV were out there for over an hour taking progressive footage from the bleaching process to the initial application of the pink. Kyrsti and Kali were invited by media to assist Marvel students with the pinking. Nicki and I had camera in hand (as usual) and soaked in the crazy energy at Marvel. Jacquie (owner of Marvel) always a delight to be around and to work with - Marvel College has been with us now for 5 years.

The hilarious part of this is knowing that they will "alter" their helmets and jerseys (once the first sweat breaks out...hehehe). Chris and Ryan have been there, done that - so they know anything white that touches them is PINK, and they are cool with that (obviously...). Its as though its a trophy, and how cool is that?

Edmonton Rush plays tonight and next Saturday (30th) they will be shaving their lids on the field immediately following the game. We will be there, Kali Bear will be delighting the crowd (hehehe..... what happens at the RUSH game STAYS at the RUSH game), and we will have a table for some of our Massacure people. RUSH will be supporting us again through their yearly sponsorship. Thanks guys!!

http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/othersports/2010/01/23/12584371-sun.html

Hope to see you there!

Nadine and Weazie

For anyone who is new to the Massacure, you may not know these two. I'd like to introduce you!

Nadine is my dear friend who came to us in 2003. She is the very first head we sheared for the St.Valentine's Day Hair Massacre! If you read my last post - I indicated that she was cleaverly worked on by co-worker Gordon to shave. I believe she has done this (shaved) now 6 times!

Nadine was our right hand man from day 1 when she kindly offered her services to help out with admin, volunteers, money counting, and follow up.

Eventually my friend came to her senses (ignore that Nicki) and needed to tend to her own responsibilities placed on the back burner for years. She says one day she plans to visit me in the same nice place where we found that neat jacket for her that ties up in the back, she's already picked out a nice room for me. Kidding of course..... I can pick out my own room.

Nadine knows this event like the back of her hand, and I cant imagine what Gord and I would have done without her all those years. Working with her as closely as I did was a wonderful experience and I think she's made from really great stuff.

In 2006, Nadine dragged her sister Weazie to help us out at the event and we have kept her ever since. I had a chip installed in her forearm to ensure that she cannot get away like her sister did..... (joking Dino).

Weazie (Louise) is an "experience" much like my friend Mel. God certainly broke the mold on that one. I am certain that she has single handedly increased our popularity! She too has shaved 4 times.

Put these sisters together and this spells trouble. Nadine is the younger one, but out of necessity has assigned herself to keep Weazie in check as she is a little unpredictable and one never knows what she's going to do next. Lets just say inhibitions did not get on the list when God put Weazie together. This is whats so fun about her, although I'm not quite sure which is funnier - Nadine with hand to forehead in disbelief or Weazie.

Weazie and I had the pleasure of developing the personality of Kali Bear 3 years ago. Our kick off with his character was at RUSH and Oil Kings games when we would take turns inside the mascot. Because we think the same, it was all too easy, and before we knew it, the bear was in trouble for "bad behaviour". He kept getting invited back, so we think his crowd pleasing personality bought him some points. He managed to hold his own with the fights he started (with other mascots), creeping into changerooms and the brush with death with the Zamboni.

I could go on and on about shirt removals to Johnny Reid and Emerson Drive, Boobie shows at Spasation, boobie talk with sponsors, assisting cats in heat at Mels Hair Salon and the pure and simple animation that just follows Weazie everywhere. Nadine, bless her for hanging in there.

If you are coming to the event, be sure to check out both Mel and Weazie - Nadine will be the one on the side looking the opposite direction.

Happy 50 Gord!! Founder of St.Valentine's day Hair Massacre

I am dedicating this blog to Kali's Dad's and my OLDEST and dearest friend - Gordon MacDonald. Kidding aside, Gord's idea to start this insane event has now impacted thousands.

Gord has always been an extremely caring soul and would do anything for anybody.

When he received my distraught phone call on Halloween day (2002) that our daughter's hair was falling out in chunks (again)- he became inspired through heartbreak.

He decided to honor Kali though a headshave that he would head up at his workplace at Canada Post. He then worked on potential "innocent victims" at work (including my dear friend Nadine Brokenshire). When Nadine's contact info "fell" into Gord's hands (though clever tactics..), he then used the information about this "inspired" woman at work to use against me (in hopes that I would eventually cave and agree to shave). It worked, and I wanted to kill him for it. I phoned a close friend Claire (who had just lost her 14 month old due to relapse) to lean on for support (as I was not really into this idea of loosing the locks). Claire is fearless and craves wildness and fun. She wasn't interested in consoling me - she wanted to know where to sign up and became excited!! Her reaction changed my view on shaving (and being scared sh--less) and it became a truly rewarding and insanely fun experience (for both of us!).

I am glad for Gordons salesmanship.

He himself has inspired so many to pink, shave, sponsor or just be involved. 2010 event will be our 8th annual and Gordons 8th shave, 6th pinking. He wears it so proudly, and uses his pink locks to strike up conversation regarding his Kali and the Massacure.

Going back to the year 2001 - we invited an elderly Chinese man (who taught authentic Feng Shui at Grant McEwan) to come to our home as we desperately needed a change. Our family needed some luck. Life was bringing our family down fast, and we were about to loose everything (including the possibility of our daughter Kali).

Authentic Feng Shui practitioners are often prophetic and can read life lines and numerology. This man was sent to us through a friend we met at the Cross Cancer Clinic. Sad story there but wont get into that now...

There is also an unbelievable story attached to our experience with him (and WHY he came), however I will leave it for now as my focus is on how this affected Gord.

This man, after evaluating our home and current bleak situation read Gord's lifelines and numerology chart. He told Gordon that if he did not start a charity before age 49 that he would perish by 50. This frightened me, and for the next year I put the pressure on my husband to hurry up and DO SOMETHING!

Let me make this clear that this man's comment was not Gord's motivation for starting the Massacre. It was Kali. I am just glad he did for many reasons.

I am glad that he started this 'movement' that has made such an impact on the community.

I am glad he supported our daughter like that and helped her (and others like her) to see that hair loss is not always a bad thing - we can turn it around and make it fun!

I am glad because today he is 50, and we are all thinking "pfew".

I am glad for the twitches, ringing phones, stacking emails, lengthy lists of "to do's" that we endure to manage this ambitious event.

I am glad he picked me 4 1/2 years ago to take over his baby, I am sure that was very difficult for this very busy soul.

Gord spends his birthday alone in Ft.McMurray working on a technical problem for G.E. Security.

If I had a magic wand I would grant him a wish, as he is most deserving of it.

Happy Birthday Gord.

Huggable Hero!

Hi Guys.

As any of you know, Kali was only two years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. With the loss of her hair, Kali inspired a head shave which with the help of her family and friends has now bacome the Massacure that we all know and love.

Kali is not just the face of the Hair Massacure, she is heavily involved with helping out where she can and getting others, young and old, involved. Kali's smile and sense of humour demonstrates the survivor inside that with some help, others are also able to find.

This is a call out to all her family, her friends, people who have shaved her head, people who have had her shave theirs, and for all of you who have been touched by this amazing girl and her story.

We are nominating Kali as a Huggable Hero for Build A Bear Canada. Please help us out by clicking on http://www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace/huggableHeroes.aspx to nominate this amazing 11year old.

If you have any questions, please let me know at questions@hairmassacure.com

I appreciate your time and effort in this,
Nicki

La La Land

My post today is about being in la la land. Nicki and I have been taking a few trips there because we heard it's a nice place to visit when ones faculties are compromised.

My Preparation H did NOT work under my eyes this morning and I am a little concerned. What if I look like a haggard old witch come February? What if I just shrivel up?

Yesterday was a gong show of emails, phone calls and lengthy lists of tasks that we believe we may never complete. No post either. I charged my phone twice, Nicky's was already dead by mid morning. I guess this is a good thing?

In January, 3 items of urgency (for this discussion) are distribution of posters, pink hair dye and pledge packages.

Without naming names... there is a particularly ambitious school that has beckoned me to returned 6 times to restock their pledge packages. This is a repeat school and I did not anticipate that they would go gang busters this year. I have now warned them that soon I will be blocking their number from my cell phone (lol)......Yes, this IS a good thing (although I am starting to pull out my hair). By Feb 12th, I imagine I will already be bald.

I have returned to schools with more packages, and school presentations are still in the works. Salons are running out of Paul Mitchell pink, and now there is a renewed interest for ordering school orders of Kali Pink.

Fitting in media, meetings, sponsorship commitments, and 100 emails per day spins Nicki and I round and round in the hamster wheel. I am worried that she might run away and join a circus. Oh... wait - she already did!

Torys story

Hi folks, for those of you who may not have seen the global coverage on Tory, the link is below.

Su-Ling (from Global), who has become my friend as a result of our wacky event was the first person I thought of to call when I received the news that our Tory was going to donate her hair again.

Tory once attended the infamous Gibbons Schools (4 years of supporting the Massacure - $150,000). Tory also participated with us back in 06 at our Guinness event when she donated her beautiful pale blonde locks.

Admittedly, her first experience with our Hair Massacre was not a positive one, as she was mistreated by a horrible hair stylist that caused her to leave our event in tears and a hack job. To my surprise this did not keep Tory away.

Months after participating with us, Tory fell victim to the very thing she fundraised for - cancer. (Leukaemia (AML). She was placed into a drug induced coma for 3 months and had to relearn all of her primary skills (walking, talking, eating). This is where I had the privilege of meeting Tory and getting to know her. Her parents were kind enough to allow me to visit, so my

first introduction to Tory was in ICU and she was asleep in her coma. The next visit again, unresponsive. Third times a charm - Tory moved her left leg (which was huge considering she had a stroke on the left side). It was a very emotional turn of events watching her mom respond to this progress. She did recognize me that day, (Kali especially) and I will never forget how her eyes twinkled when she saw her. As we left, she managed to move the fingers on her right hand enough to resemble a wave good bye. I felt me eyes well up and turned so she could not see how this had impacted me. Now, I guess she and I would just laugh about this because we both take great delight in bantering back and forth. I'll get into that in a bit...

In 2007 (January) we decided to bring a pinking event into the Stollery Hospital. All were invited to attend - kids (patients) and staff. A number of children from Oncology came to have a pink streak placed into their hair, or in some cases, painted onto their heads. Tory was among them.

She was still unable to move or talk but she was definitely there in spirit! My daughter Meagan had the honor of pinking her few remaining locks as she lay in her gurney.

Another precious moment that fuels me when I get overwhelmed with this event, I think of times like that.

By summer, Tory was able to get out of her wheel chair. I received a phone call from the Make-A-Wish office that our girl had stepped out to show them her legs. That gave Tammy cause for a phone call.

I had been newly involved with the owners of Third Street Beat (Luke and Mark) and was invited to help out with the Santas Kids benefit concert. Luke wanted young cancer survivors for his opening act, so I found some. Tory for some reason struck me (even though she was barely walking). Her initial response to my ask was "Are you crazy!!". My reply was "Suck it up Tory - you used to dance!". She agreed and by the second month of weekly practices, Tory was not only running, but jumping. Truly miraculous!!

Tory and I have this relationship where we banter as I mentioned earlier. If I had one word to describe this girl, I would have to say "Attitude". This is a good thing, as attitude is how we look at life and how we respond to it. Tory also has the "other kind of attitude" - the kind that drives parents and teachers to drink. Thats what I love best about her! All kidding aside, Tory is a sweetheart and one of several cancer kids that are heavily involved with us and support this event whole heartedly.

We are blessed to know her, (even if she wants me to convince her mom to let her pierce her belly button).

http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/video/index.html?categoryid=1050123335

Sobeys / Johnsonville and Kali Pink

Today was the first saturday in the next 3 that we will be promoting the Massacure and Kali Pink.

We were at the IGA in Spruce Grove.

Collin Parker, a truly wonderful soul is one who proudly sinks his teeth into supporting the Massacure and the Michael Cuccione Foundation. Collin is also a rep for Johnsonville, and for the past 3 years has supplied our cause with the famous Brats at various events including these Sobeys promos, select school pinkings (Sturgeon Heights yesterday), school CISN concert and volunteer BBQ.

Today the enticing aroma of BBQ lured the folks to come out and learn about the massacure. It was certainly the perfect day to do so. CISN Country was out promoting us, 425 Brats were served, it was a good day.

A "pink" family came out when they heard that our family would be there. After a while of conversation, I sadly learned that the cute little boy I was speaking with (sporting the pink fohawk) had a brain tumor. This happens every year where we meet a new pink child who's been afflicted. Why does this happen to kids? Why not unscrupulous, corrupt people? This I haven't been able to get my head around and some days it literally haunts me.

Our faithful steeds - Steven (my almost son-in law) and Dusty (my adopted son / survivor) came out for support. Steven, (we realized can sell cowsomething to a farmer), politely lured the folks to the table and eventually to our donation jar which resulted in $440.00. He and Collin spent 4 hours outside, God bless 'em.

The Massacure is not as well know out in the Grove as it is in St. Alberta, Morinville and Gibbons. Thats ok. This means saturation hasn't hit and THAT means we still have potential to grow.

Next Saturday we will be at St.Albert Sobeys, and the following Saturday (30th) - Morinville (12-3 pm). Our pink dog FRED in tow with our Massacure peeps. Just follow the aroma of our Johnsonville BBQ...

Marvel 2 / pink hard hats

Well... we made it through the segments and pinked without any casualties. Bridget Ryan was amazing again with her interviews. Bums filled the chairs and at the end of it, everyone was pink!

The cutest was the baby with the pink cast and Stacey's hubby with the huge pink fro. 4 cancer kids participating, that still blows my mind folks. They all lost their hair and are now giving it away.

Only one resisted her pinking, but we sicked Mel on her (as seen in pic 1).

We had all age groups from the 1's to the 60's, many teachers, our karate school (Rooke) and a construction worker (with pink hard hat in tow - Nicki's dad).

I was too exhausted to update yesterday so I am doing today and now behind.

Speaking of pink hard hats.....

Today Kali and I visited the Keephills 3 plant to present to the union workers. These guys (the boiler makers - K3 for the Kids) brought in 48.,000 last year and are gearing up for another. They have issued out a challenge to all of the trades to participate. If you are so inclined, pink hair under the pink hard hat, if not - just the pink hard hat will send a message that the Massacure is coming - all for the kids! Out there, they came up with a brilliant idea - "rent" a pink hard hat for a month with a minimum 100.00 donation (get a tax receipt) and fundraise over and above that. That may apply very well to the guys that are less serious (no pink hair, no huge commitment). Concept could be huge.....

Big men, big hearts! It was heart warming to be there today and see how deeply they all care about this cause. On the 12th they will be shaving - maybe outside if you can believe it! Their goal again is at least 50,000 +. Paul Liimatainen (the amazing gentleman who heads this up) last pic thinks 1/2 a mil should be the goal) He's very enthusiastic....

One day - WE WILL GET THERE!!

Marvel - Jan 11

WOW! Marvel was spectacular. As much as I aspire to be like Tammy on most days, I am not her, and so while she was writing the last blog, I was sleeping. I hope this doesn’t get me fired…

I did manage to sleep through three alarms, and then had to rush as I was meeting people at Marvel earlier than everyone else. Turns out I still made it (I was the fourth person there – but basically on the shirttails of the first three so it still counts!).

Early morning always ensures silliness with this event, and Monday morning was no exception. While a couple of us tried to push a parked car to make room for the BT truck, others were arriving with fresh baked muffins, children, and high spirits. Children, big and small, were all over the place. As the morning went on, and the funny photos (no worries Tam, I’ll send you mine. That way you’ll have some good ones...) piled up, people were turning PINK! Having Breakfast Television there to record some of it was awesome as usual and watching some really deserving people get intereviewed on TV made my heart sing.

The stylists, teachers and students, at Marvel College were fabulous! We had so many people, of varying pinking degrees, and I never heard one complaint. My mum wanted a steak of pink, and ended up with her bangs (which she loves so much more than streaks), there were streaks, there were tips only, there was everything – and it was fabulous to watch (in between muffins..) the progress of everyone’s hair.

I wanted to give a shout out to the stylists at Marvel – You were all fabulous! And one more to everyone that came out to go PINK, or to support someone who was. Your smiling faces as you left the building (and yes, I saw those looks that a certain car rental company next door gave some of us) makes me get up early for the next pinking!

Thanks guys!
Nicki

PINK OFF at Marvel College (part 1)

It's 4:30 am and I have given up. I dont know why I even try to sleep before a media event, especially of the BT variety (Breakfast Television). Its a very early start when one lives out of town and the anticipation of waking at 5 just keeps me from falling asleep I guess. I really dont know how the morning talk show hosts do it. Besides the point, it's more to do with the level of anxiety felt before each spot or interview. There are so many variables that can make or break an opportunity. I have ensured that I do not wear the jeans with the shifty fly and my preparation H was applied before bed and again at 4:30 (thats for the bags under my eyes folks). Visine is checked, new hoodie checked, have all of my children - checked, now for the interviews (not so easy to check).

It's on Bridget's show so this is easy as its more go with the flow. Bridget is lots of fun, less to worry about there....yet I still feel like I am standing in line for a scary ride. Will I remember who I am? Kali's name? (thats in question most days in January anyways), will all of my guests arrive and on time, will I get lost again driving there? I will be checking in after the show with an updated post.

Unsung Heros

I am dedicating this post to all of our unsung heros that quietly give so much to the success of this event. We had a captains meeting today and I feel this is a great opportunity to honor some well deserving folks who have given much of their time and hearts over the years to help manage this event. Roni St. Onge, Tina MacQueen, Jaime Caza (who is also a major sponsor and wish mom), Christie / Glen Peters, Ginger Rudy, Mel Christoffersen (we know her now), Nadine Brokenshire, Louise (Weazie) Mitchel, my mom (Colleen Chupka), Delores and Dennis Wohland, Wendy Griffith, Melynda Revet, Shauna Short, Diana Maltais, Carrie Roulston, Stacey Abdella, Shauna Buist, Pat McMinn, Sam Styres, Joelle Baldry, Ollie Sluzer, Mike Coxworth, Bruce Bevan..... and yes well all know Nicki.

I hope I have not missed someone, please speak up if I have (this is that time of year.....).

These captains and head volunteers are like family - they're my peeps and I would be lost without them.

The last one I would like to mention is the quietest of all. This is my daughter Mandy.

Mandy was hospitalized as a child twice, in intensive care as a baby due to a severe brain injury which affected her overall health over the years. She was also diagnosed with cancer in her kidney at age 15 just after the completion of Kali's treatment. Mandy once laid in the very bed that Kali was diagnosed in and spent her first month. The tumor was removed and benign but not without complication. The next years to follow after that surgery were very difficult for her and we spent much time in hospital. This particular daughter, next to Kali had ongoing, intense health concerns for many years.

I am proud to say that she is now a beautiful, strong young woman who keeps our family on our toes with her unpredictable nature and crazy humor. Mandy is also a dog groomer assistant and is responsible for the pink stained seats in my van. During our promotional season, FRED and Mandy both come home pink (her hands smelling of bleach from de-pinking the shop). She tells me "never again!!" and caves for my next request for his touch up.

Mandy has been holding down the fort at home whilst her mother lives on the phone and computer. Suppers are prepared, house is cleaned, laundry done and dog is walked. She now shares her responsibilities with her younger sisters, however this does not seem to reduce the amount of tasks that pile up on a weekly basis. Mandy is not a captain like Meagan and Kyrsti, not the big cheese like Kali, but in her own quiet humble way she is a hero at home and I would be lost without her. She has a lot of Mel in her (the off the wall sense of humor and this is like medicine especially when the crunch causes so much stress.

To all of our unsung heros, thank you. You are amazing and I feel honored to have you in my life.

This post is going to reflect some contained reality, as running an event is not always a walk in the park. Sometimes it is forgotten that this is a family run event, with Mama bear sitting in Papa bears chair. That's a really big chair some days.

I have been running the Massacure since summer of 05. Gord and I separated in 06, and yes I am also a single mom. To answer your next question, he is still involved in the event but not as a driving force, and we do hang out as a family.

I did not start off with fundraising knowledge or experience. Gordon ran this event prior to, with my implemented marketing ideas and schemes (or as I always say - not really mine, more divine). I struggled with catching up with something I knew very little about. There were many growing pains over the years.

The frustration comes in various situations: I'll name only 2 for tonight because there are many. (Just to clarify, with each frustration, there is a delight / accomplishment / a win).

On occasion, I deal with expectations that this event should be more corporate and stream lined to make it easier to manage. Easier - YES. Allowing connection with the people / children - NO.

This is grass roots and that is NOT easy to manage because there are literally thousands to connect with, recognize and honour. Impossible. As much as I try, I still cant get to everyone, although not without a ton of effort. Thousands of names (pledge forms / on-line) and pictures are studied for months after to attempt recognition along with feedback from our many volunteers. I also have a good memory for this sort of thing. (Why I cant remember my hip hop routine or karate corrections is another thing.....). It's harder every year to do this, and yes sometimes someone slips through the cracks and I feel awful about that.

The other frustration is as the popularity of the event grows there are more hands on my "baby" and some folks forget how it developed and where it came from.

I am sure Gord felt like that when I took over (in that someone else was now responsible). The difference is that I would never take the glory from another. Gord is still honoured for what he started.

What used to be interpreted as another "hair brained idea from Tammy's silly brain" is now being snatched and owned by another. The successes of the event that I am responsible for, I attribute to divine thoughts and nothing more. I puzzles me how some need to feed their egos at the expense of others? Its humbling to learn to let these things go, however the human side of me wants to shout out to the world that "HEY - I did THAT!!!!". The polite side of me tends to contain these frustrations, however I am taking a first step in writing about it. As I mentioned before, this blog is not conventional, nor is this event.

At the end of the day, I am a still a mom (a tired one). My feelings exhaust me, brain is spent, and sometimes spirits are low. I always worry about not dropping the ball wearing many hats. Tomorrow is another day and spirits may be high. We are having a captains meeting, so we will see how that goes. For now, it's 12:30 am and I will go to bed with a heavy heart.

Mel

I am dedicating this post to my good friend and stylist coordinator Mel Christoffersen. If anyone has met this woman they will appreciate why I chose to write about her.

When I met Mel (back in summer of 06), she was a new client seeking nutritional counselling and herbal remedies for her daughter. Little did I know that she was supporting our event by pinking her own clients, and has been doing ever since.... only a lot more. Mel makes folks feel 10 feet tall with her frequent terms of endearment (GF - girlfriend, BF - boyfriend, awesome, buddy, you rock hard core, BFF - best friends forever, high five, and luv ya).

Mel is one of those situations when God broke the mould. The impact this funny lady has created is nothing less than incredible. She strikes the heart strings & funny bone with such force you don't know what hit you.

The only way I can refer to her is as an experience.

I am proud to lead the Mel movement, the fan club. Her following is loyal and forever changed.

She is also an exceptional stylist. Owner and operator of Sheer Stattic, Mel has been servicing loyal clients for 16 + years. SHe can pack 'em in, 5 at a time and keep them happy.

I never asked her to be a coordinator with my daughter Meagan (who also adores her), she just assumed the position much like her other roles in the community (president of parent council, bible study, and ANY occasion where she can serve her fellow man).

I have painted this picture so far (for those who have yet to experience Mel) of a loving, kind, compassionated and giving woman of leadership. yes, she is all of those things. Quiet and subtle she is not.

The interesting quality about her is her ability to communicate freely without repercussion. It's genuine with an interesting twist of innocence. Mel is the female version of Borat (only with more heart and less hair). When she speaks, one is taken back initially until you get used to her. It's been 4 years and I am STILL not used to her yet and I am a trappers daughter.

Still, it's funny - so funny that one cannot keep themselves from looping her "Melisms" 'round and 'round in their heads.

I am convinced that some of our many volunteers and participants are repeats simply because Mel enriched their experience. This is invaluable to the cause, and she will never see that because she is humble.

If you attend our event, find this crazy lady (we have 2.... - that will be another post), and give her a hug, but be careful, she hugs with intensity. Intensity may cause a trip to your chiropractor, so beware..... but it's so worth it!

Mel.... If you are reading this, DO NOT correct my grammer and spelling, just enjoy it cause it's all true. We lov ya Buddy, you're awesome!! BFF.

Executive meeting

We had our monthly Massacure executive meeting with representatives from both Stollery and Make-A-Wish. These meeting are perceived as pure torture for me, so I bring cookies to take the edge off. Tammy is not wired in such a way that enjoys too much organization, communication and documentation all at once, especially if too serious. Too much work and no play chases this Massacure Diva away. Yes, I have officially changed my name from "Driven Mom" to Diva.

Anyhow, my point being that I find this painful, but not as painful as today.

A colleague from our committee who I have befriended and grown most fond of has left her position with us. She and I knocked heads for 2 years when she first joined us (because we are both strong and stubborn.....and right), then trust and respect worked its way into our hearts. I am very sad to see her go, and its likewise. She had become my primary reason I started baking cookies for these meetings, at that time it was to soften her up for me. Now I bake because I know she loves them, even if I know she may be the only one who eats them. Funny how folks grow on us. These people that we journey with become like family.

This last 4 years have. We have worked out a lot of bugs in that time and the process was indeed painful. It was "corporate" meet "mom and pop shop" - I am thankful for it now because we have found a happy medium that spelled success. This committee took us from counting hundreds of thousands in our home to taking it in house with the assistance of ATB bankers, on-line registration, sharing of resources and the hiring of a project coordinator (a Tylor and a Nicki). The list is lengthier but I wont bore you with it. These "special events" are more involved as they appear, but thats probably a good thing because we just want people to enjoy the experience.

What the heck???

Nicki's last post indicated that the pace has picked up a notch. There are many notches left to go until that pink hair hits the floor. Nicki and I will spend the next 5 weeks in the hamster wheel. Once in motion, it's hard to get off unless you fall out. Mid April I'm thinkin....

Today I broke 3 major resolutions at once. Lindor melting in the cheek, Timmies in the cup holder whilst I chat on the phone on route to my next meeting. Good thing I caught myself, 4 hours after the fact.

I am officially twitching. Was out shopping for Ephedra, Memory FX and St. John's wort and felt the ground shake like a jackhammer (had to do the math.... only 2010.... pfew.....) Then my van started shaking (mud in the tire??), then again in my office (that was actually the water bottle I somehow threw in the dryer). My point - I twitch, Nicki twitch. What the heck?

Today I dealt with merch..... again.

Merchandise is an area that one would not realize to be somewhat crazy. Thats an understatement. I deal with 2 areas.

First area is a donation.

Unicon Concrete generously donates our 400+ t-shirts to all volunteers (also our toques and baseball hats). There are various groups of volunteers in various sizes from child - adult XXXL. Each group gets a different shirt and Tammy has to make a somewhat educated guess as to numbers and correlating sizes. If I am off, it will be Nicki's fault because she will not let me have coffee.

I have changed this order 8 times and our merch rep Lise still talks to me. She just smiles politely and nods.

The second group of merch is purchased by an outstanding captain (who's bald head with the peace symbol graces our home page).

I take the summer to determine what we need, try to guess what we will sell (on advise of my 2 captains) and how much, go over it all with Tina to meet her approval, then beg for lowest prices. When the multiple negotiations and purchases are over I am sure that Sparks will delete me from their contact list and block my number. I literally spent 2 months sniffing water bottles just to find the safest one, wore the apparel, tested the durability of the bags and so forth. God love 'em, they have been oh so accommodating. It's necessary that we can sell our merch at bottom low prices (thank you Blair and Leanne). My angle here is not to soak our participants, but to provide affordable memorabilia to them.

It will be interesting what tomorrow will bring.... at the very least, enough emails and phone calls to shock our nervous systems.

January 4th. I think.

So as Tam wrote yesterday, we were both working like mad – trying to be prepared for the dreaded Monday after the holiday season.

I don’t know about any of you, but I did wake up to my 9th alarm (seriously. I normally set 11 alarms), had to wash my hair twice as I put body wash in it after the first time… does that make it three times? Then I realized I had no clean clothes for work and I’m out of toothpaste. I arrived at work with two minutes to spare, but then had to scarf down breakfast here as I forgot to eat supper last night and was starving.

So needless to say, when I started actually working this morning, only marginally late, I was already ready for a nap. But here I am hours later, with three (now four) cups of tea in me (common Tam, coffee is over-rated..), and about to grab some Christmassy Girl Guide cookies for lunch before I head into some meetings, finish some artwork, and get ready for more meetings … did I mention that I love spreadsheets?... uh, I’m back in the swing of things. Mostly.
So, I hope that your first Monday back is just as filled with caffeine, naps on keyboards, and twitches as mine.

Nick

YIKES!!

This morning (at 3 AM) I woke abruptly (you know that gaspy, beads of sweat lining the forehead, heart jumpin around kind of wake) and realized I will not be anything other than overwhelmed for the next 5 weeks. I feel its safe to assume that Nicki will share this with me. In my state of sleep panic, the anticipation of Monday's kickoff to OMGwhatjusthitmecantsleepcanteathowfastcanIrunafterthisthingwhyaremyhandsstillpinkicantstoptwitchingoh....nickicaniPLEASEhave justonecoffee forced me to get it over with and start today. Turns out Nicki was at Starbucks all day doing the same thing as I on this last free Sunday... going over lengthy lists of to do's. Sabotage is a wonderful thing.

Christmas, although wonderful and necessary to re-charge also forces us to run like something that starts with an H come January 4. This month is highly unpredictable, so it is nearly impossible to plan things (except media events and schools) without rescheduling at least once. Our volunteer captains and volunteers all sorted into tasks and positions, merchandise finalized (this area is CRAZY in terms of planning, ordering and appeasing the masses), media events planned, school presentations, continued requests for sponsorships,

entertainment scheduled, pinking events, sobeys events, distribution of pink hair dye, posters and pledge packages, mapping the event, security, pre-drops, unexpected events, and so on, and so on......

My point being the list is lengthy and becomes so overwhelming that one could go insane.

Sure gonna miss coffee especially this month (my resolution started early).

Planning an event of this magnitude is much more than most realize. Its kinda like giving birth and raising children......you have NO IDEA of what you are in for until it's in motion and gets more demanding with every year. You pack on weight, crave cookies, feel nauseous, overwhelmed, no sleep, deal with a lot of something that starts with an S, lots of hugs, spend too much money, unruliness, eat on the run, pink your dog..... or not......loose your mind. I did apparently. All for a good reason.

Cant wait to see what's in store tomorrow. Hope you check in!

New Years Day

As Tammy has stated below, my family has a mostly-annual New Years Day party with a Chinese Gift Exchange - and some of the presents really wow people. There are the classics, like the tourist video of Vancouver that came back.. for 5 years. Or the Unicorn Thermometer.. Or the best gift ever - a case of Kleenexes. My best friend's parents didn't buy tissues for almost the entire year! This year I chose a bottle-like present - thinking it would be wonderful if it was actually liquor, but knowing it probably wasn't.. and to no one's shock, it wasn't. I received an empty bottle ready for recycling. Good thing I am a smooth talker and pawned it off on a visiting child... hehehe..

The gifts, though usually good conversational topics, are never the reason we invite those people important to us for the afternoon. We love to see our friends and family filled with seasonal cheer, food enough for an army (thanks mum!) and the night before's parties. Some of the people that arrive on our doorstep on January first, we only get to see once or twice a year, and others like Tam, I get to see often throughout the year. But it's different. It's not work, it's not anything, but fun (even if more than one Nikon was in my house!). And that's the point. To enjoy the season, and all it brings. Especially if it brings good friends and good food together.

I hope you've all had fabulous holidays and I look forward to seeing you soon (afterall it is Massacure Season now!)

Nicki

2010

Today our family (with my mom in tow) was invited to a traditional New Years party hosted by the Wohlands (Nicki's parents). My mom brought all of her 5 cats (actually she wore them - I call it her Zsa Zsa Gabor look, only faux not fur). Nicki's dad warmly welcomed us at the door (with a leash) and a hug. These people are truly wonderful and I feel blessed to know them. We met many years ago (Nicki's mom Doll and my Mom Zsa Zsa (Colleen) - best friends and business associates. Our kids played together, Nicki grew up with my two oldest girls. I knew Nicki would be assistant material because of her great track record for being amazing (even though I fired her again today).

50 people crammed into such a small space , the food provided was enough to feed my 400 volunteers, and the warmth in this home is most welcoming. It was interesting to see so many Proud Victims in that room that have at one time (and for some - still...) supported the event. A pink hard hat left evidence that maybe her dad Dennis may be participating again this year.

I make a point to observe certain strong qualities in folks (always looking for tips....), and was impressed by the leadership I witnessed regarding the Chinese gift exchange. Dennis took full control inside his home, yet puts his guests at ease with his welcoming warm nature.

I left with a plastic statue of monkeys, a outdated set of dishes that I will likely pon off on my newly engaged daughter, and a brittle glass thing that will end up in a vaccuum (when the case of posters crush it in my van because I forgot to remove it). I was not allowed to leave it there, and was busted when I attempted to do so. Gotta love those gatherings that make ones heart (and abdomen... thighs... and buttocks) swell.

Very soon, my break will end and the twitching will begin. 6 weeks away.......