$5,630,000

When you reach the million one year... and you’re in the middle of the next and wondering if you’re going to make it this year too... It keeps you up at night, it makes you count everything ten times a day to see if anything has changed and by how much, it makes you think about donating a very large amount – even if it means I’ll be paying off my car for another ten years… you need to have a plan – any kind of plan – in case the worst happens.

There are some cases where worrying makes sense, and when I think about WHY we do the work we do – my worries pale in comparison – and yet it doesn’t make them disappear. They’re still there and they’re still real (at least in my head). But I should have known… with the team of staff, board members, captains, volunteers, and participants that we have – I should have known!

I don’t have to worry about it anymore! We have done it – we have raised the MILLION! Plus. Now we can concentrate on bigger issues – like the worries of the families staying at RMH, or the ones of the parents whose kid is in the Stollery, or the parents whose child might not make it to their Wish. These are real concerns and they are justified in worrying.

I hope that by my small contribution to Massacure (in regards to the grander scheme of life) I have helped alleviate someone’s worries when it comes to their kid. I hope that their worries will be lessened by my worrying and planning and working to make it to the million again this year.

Thank you to everyone who helped in the 2011 Hair Massacure! WE DID IT!

Nicki

Aloha

Aloha - to greet with genuine affection. Aloha represents love in Hawaiian.

Mahalo - to thank or acknowledge, show of appreciation.

Its been a few days since our return, and all I can think about is how do I make it possible to go back... indefinitely.

FYI... from my findings this morning on West Jet, I see that the awesome deal we took advantage of months back is still available if one can make the selected sale dates work.

I don't know how or why luck seems to find me in the travel dept but Im very grateful, as it has afforded us the opportunity to see places and learn things that are not commonly found in a text book. I consider this highly valuable in the human experience.

20 years back, Gordon coerced me to go to California (as I believed it would drop into the ocean (guaranteed if I were there). Cancer had taken my favourite aunt that year.

She had lived in CA for most of her interesting life and often spoke about meeting the stars.

A new desire to pay proper respect was met with success considering she had beckoned me to visit for many years. Needless to say we didn't go glug glug.

The coast kept a piece of my soul that summer and every year I must return to feel balance.

As debt compiles, Im ok with that.

My luck with deals serves me very well and until it runs out, I will continue to chase airplanes to find my Zen.

My girls share the same passion for the ocean.

Our home exhibits beach paraphernalia, once stuffed in Kali's pockets and knapsack. Stinky treasures discretely make their way into the garbage, as the contents of our luggage reveals gag worthy sea odour.

As I have shared my affection for the west coast, it pales next to my love for the Hawaiian Islands. Maui in particular, has an energy that leaves one lost for words.

The beauty is indescribable and the climate is comfortable and inviting. Imagine your ideal temperature (you have set the thermostat to it in your home) .... it doesn't seem to change - day or night, indoors or out. Our automatic response to adjust to temperature change out here was not required out there. Sigh....

I think the biggest impact left on us was the Aloha Spirit. A level of respect and recognition for fellow man, animal and planet theoretically should exist globally. On these Islands - not only exists, its the way.

Recycling is habitual, water preservation is priority.

The hotels we visited do not waste. Near end rolls of toilet paper and near empty boxes of tissue reflect an awareness of waste disposal.

Refusal to replace disposable cups and plates (corn based and biodegradable) is communicated with friendly assertiveness on tours.

The locals are proudly protective of their island.

It puzzles me how they welcome us pesky tourists who may not necessarily share the same mindset for the environment. The intrusion of developers who raped their coastline with recreational properties must outrage them yet they remain friendly and personable offering outstanding customer service.

Maui drivers - courteous. The Aloha spirit appears contagious as the spread of genuine cheerfulness and consideration infiltrates the island.

A noticeable difference from the commonly demonstrated road rage and lack of courtesy in most places, including here. A activated signal light is often interpreted as a challenge to cut off and pass. Not there. Not ever. Honking discouraged, not considered "aloha" and is used only for distress or a cue to round a one lane corner. Much appreciated to save the white knuckling for the 700 sharp turns on Hana as opposed to dedicating energy to cursing other drivers.

Speaking of those turns.... common - high elevation, one lane, without shoulder, without guard rail, NOT without prayer.

Efficient burn of calories....more shave ice please (thats a high end slurpie in a bowl with sweet cream). Mmmmmmm.....

Before I ruin the rest of your curiosity, I encourage you to check out my seat sale tip on West Jet and check it out yourself.

Perhaps if all of us experience a little "Avatar", we may collectively discard our disregard for saving our planet and our people by assuming the Aloha Spirit.

Mahalo

Visit with an angel

Today FRED and I spent at time at Stollery foundation, reconnecting with staff, nice coffee with our CEO and follow up with Brandi and Nicki (who are working on many levels of wrap up including data entry, documenting, debriefing, and recognition).

The staff at the foundation LOVE the pink beast. He was a good boy as usual, although inching his way back to that embarrassing habit of "self soothing" he acquired 2 years ago.

We'll have to work on that.

Fred was thirsty when we arrived and had a bit of a tickle in his throat causing him to cough.

Anyone who has heard a big dog "cough" knows that distinctive glack - yack that would make one scramble for paper towels. Its almost too gross to be human, but today it was assumed that a human (staff member) pulled that off. An easy assumption when FRED is tucked away in a cubicle, with few privy to his presence. Sometimes gross really does have its place, as it makes for great stories.

Nicki babysat the beast while I connected with a few, namely my friend Kim across the street at the U of A.

In a recent post, I shared sad news about our remarkable karate friend who was diagnosed with Leukaemia back in January.

I only had 35 minutes to spend with my friend, and the worlds slowest elevators stole 15 of that - my rationed 20 minutes needed to be 2 hours. It was incredibly wonderful to see her.

I don't know how to articulate the impact she made on me today.

All I can come up with that makes any sense is that I had a visit with an angel.

Kim sat on the edge of her bed - obvious signs of treatment, her eyes grabbing mine as they reflected a high spirited enlightenment.

Kims mother was taken from her at age 12 - cancer. I would imagine this is her worst fear as she too is a mother.

Her state of mind and spirit not common for a person who has recently been educated that she has a resilient type of cancer.

I sat in awe as I immersed myself in her reaction to the cards she had been dealt.

She has chosen "not".

She is not a victim... and furthermore she does not have cancer.

She is a catalyst, and was chosen to be the catalyst for change or someone else's enlightenment.

Can you imagine if everyone held this belief and did not waiver from their faith?

Kim, you are my inspiration. Even though you may again crush my thighs with those infamous roundhouses, I still revere you as an earth angel.

Thank you for the lesson. I needed that.

When I arrived home this aft, I received a text from Kim and hubby Steve - Kim was delivered the news shortly after I left and was packing to come home. Tonight she will be welcomed by her family, her home and her familiar bed.

Kim is in remission.

leading up to .... Kali Bear sightings

I have to thank our friend Clifford (the gentleman in the 2010 HM video with the pink ponytails), Carrie Roulston (owner of LOXX) and Tina MacQueen (our merch captain) who became the catalysts of this brilliant idea of a "Kali Bear Sightings" page on our website. http://hairmassacure.com/kali-bear

I met Clifford last year in Loxx where he was pinking his hair for the first time.

Prior to this year, I have always had opportunity to take a few days in a salon (LOXX) to throw on a smock / gloves and wear a different hat.

Forgive me for sidetracking again (most of you are used it it).... I'll elaborate before I get to the Kali Bear point.

When I was 18, my chosen career was to be a hairstylist. Marvel would have been my school of choice after the completion of Highschool .... however my first born (Meagan) had a different idea.

It was deja vu for me when I walked my 18 year old daughter into Marvel for the first time to register.

My daughters passion for the hair industry once allowed me to live vicariously through her UNTIL I found opportunity to make my own experience.

Attending hair shows, researching product lines, absorbing Meagans "take" on latest trends, hangin' with the stylists is most interesting to me, however now I realize that this may not have been the best career choice for me as I get side tracked easily. Big surprise, I know.

With only one thing to focus on, I tend to get into trouble more often.

HM allows me to wear many hats.

Some of the salons we work with have allowed me to pose as "hair stylist" over the years (namely LOXX), where I can go in unmarked and sometimes unrecognized, occasionally mistaken as an employee.

Funny thing is I am actually good at this stuff. I even cut and perm hair.

As I am bleaching and pinking, I am picking up tips (educational "tips"), and connecting with our participants on a whole new level.

Its allowed me to fully grasp what happens in the salon, another area of the event that I believe I need to have knowledge of.

I have met the most interesting "Proud Victims" while altering their hair. This is back to where Clifford comes in....

Meeting Clifford last year was memorable. He is a quiet man with a subtle and unique sense of humor. This year I had the honour of running into him again at LOXX at the sink.

As Carrie pinked, Clifford shared his vision of turning the Kali Bear into a Flat Stanley.

Clifford was leaving the following morning as he had tix to the Craig Ferguson show, following - Golden Globe Red Carpet walk.

Clifford was VERY successful with a number of well known celebrities agreeable to hold and pose with our bear including Jay Leno and Nicole Kidman.

Outside of those efforts for fame, Kali Bear was placed in the most imaginative poses on the beach, in the wax Museum and on the Walk of Fame.

Kali Bear - now getting out into the world may eventually bring us to meet Ellen De generous.

Since Clifford, Kali Bear has been to Banff with us, skiing with Tina Plsek, to a RUSH game, and I hear he is off to do an Afghanistan Mission, and a vacation to Australia.

I now have a wear 'n' tear bear that sits on my dash awaiting his next adventure.

I look forward to seeing more of his journeys. You can be a part of it - help the bear reach his fame.

Please send your Kali Bear pics to tmac@hairmassacure.com.

Congrats to a very special and hardworking novice hockey team – the St. Albert Shock! They had 17 participants on their team – including their coach – and raised over $8,600!

These guys were sooo cool and so happy to be a part of Massacure. I spoke to them only briefly – but they were pretty pumped – and they have reason to be!

Bald is Beautiful 2011

This Saturday our wonderful and talented Claudine Lavoie hosted our private little Bald is Beautiful shoot in her in-home studio.

This was Claudine's 3rd shoot for Hair Massacure, all donated to us (much like our amazing events photographers - Romy Yamsuan and Chantelle Turgeon)

Claudine's ability to re-capture the moments of why people shave is the very reason she is chosen for this project. Her warmth and hospitality puts our subjects at ease and gives each of them opportunity to connect with each other prior to their shoot.

I feel this is vital in putting them back into the moment.

There is a particular look that is present when most participants (Proud Victims) shave. Its indescribable, but I know intrinsically from shaving 4 times myself (having a motivating reason to do so - Kali).

Our event photographers (when in the shave area) often capture this .... when were not goofing around. (I LOVE those shots too).

In Claudine's peaceful home, with a black and white background and opportunity for each to reflect, the shots are very rich.

Bald is Beautiful was created in 2006 (during the shave) where a suggestion and an afterthought prompted me to scramble to make it happen.

The subjects that I choose each year are random.

It literally happens as I walk around in the shave area or spot a bald head walking by, sometimes chosen beforehand (as I get a feeling about a person), or a suggestion from one of our peeps.

There are hundreds that will get missed who are absolutely stunning, or that have a heartwarming story (that would be reflected in their pictures). I feel for all of these beautiful people who really should be photographed, but we don't get to them due to the chaos of the event.

The shoot is also very small (I prefer it cozy), so unfortunately this does not offer opportunity for all to be invited. This is why is random.

Claudine thinks about her next shoot all year, working up her creativity to apply to a couple of select subjects.

This year, Morgan (our first creative subject) - a student from Eveline Charles Academy was chosen to wear a pink chiffon wrap that flowed glamourously with a fan placed to the side.

How Ironic that Morgan was threatened to be terminated by her employer if she went through with the shave and did not wear a wig to work.

I'll be sending her employer her photos once I receive them, along with a message expressing my disappointment.

Another family drove 4.5 hours one way to attend the shoot. Met this lovely girl in Red Deer (pervious blog) and I was quite moved when she fell to tears in the chair. She (Sabrina) was donating and shaving. She and her family left an impression, so I invited them as both her dad and brother also shaved. Very nice family. Had no idea how far they had to travel, but glad they did. During our visits , Nicki and I both discovered that we each knew them through mutual acquaintances.

My Sensei (Steve Rooke - who heads up our security team at the event) posed with his son Jorden as a means to honour Kim (wife and mom to them, friend to me) just diagnosed with Leukaemia (recent blog). Kim is now without hair. Its most unfortunate that a day pass was not possible for her to be present in the shoot with her 2 men. Now THAT would be a gripping photo. (Still praying for you Kim... )

Flat Christie (who's not in real life) was able to attend this year as last year she was unable.

The woman of a thousand faces, she's so very photogenic. Im looking forward to seeing reflective, humorous, and strangled (with myself behind the ends of her pink scarf). Christie's sister Ginger posed last year with her back exposed and a beautiful drawing down the torso.

Both of these sisters - stunning inside and out.

Jaime Caza (our McDonald's sponsor and volunteer coordinator) brought her son Tyler who sacrificed his hockey hair to shave. Prior to the event, attending pinking at RMH, a few moments of boredom fell upon me. I happened to have my peanut (mini clippers) with me, and felt compelled to get rid of half of his hair, leaving him with a mohawk. It was there when I envisioned his black and white.

Last but not least, my son in law Steven popped in for the last shoot.

I warned him that Claudine had something special in mind for him. His response was "anything", but no feathers.

Im looking forward to see our topless dark angel.

I wasnt sure what Claudine was seeing for Steven until she put it all together... Im thinking this may be one of my all time favourites.

In the meantime I have to be equally creative to make it up to him (until he sees his photo).

Thank you Claudine Lavoie for sharing your talent with us, and to our subjects - another thank you for sharing a reflection of your soul.

www.claudinelavoie.ca

Trip to Banff

For the past few years, the girls and I have planned an immediate trip to Banff, day after HM for some R & R.

The concept sounds great at the time, but I think after a few rounds of failed attempts in my desperate search for that R & R, I would learn that its not the best idea.

6 weeks of no rest leading up to our hectic event and I decide to drive 6 long hours the following morning to an overpriced location of party animals and tourists.

Before discovering my spiritual connection (and addiction) to the ocean, I have always associated "spirit rejuvenation" with the rockies.

For years during and after Kalis treatment, I would take day trips by myself to Banff, climb a mountain and drive home - exhausted but balanced. On Kali's "good" days this was opportunity for me to collect my thoughts and feelings.

I made a few of those trips and it really helped.

It is still my belief that this will rebalance me if I drive out there and take in the magnificence of the mountains. I think its the element of how insignificant I feel in their presence that really does it for me.

This particular trip did not balance me (the last 2 previous did not balance me either).

Had to wear double toques to keep the snakes in my hair at bay.

Our traditional HM celebration at Chillies in Banff ended abruptly when my new IPhone was stollen right off of our table.

I was choked at how expensive THAT dinner was going to be, but paled in comparison to how violated I felt.

I could not call or text my Massacure peeps to say thank you.

I worried that media would call for updates or maybe a potential BIG sponsor would try to reach me as they had just seen the event.

All of my new pics and videos of Kali Bears on the walls at McDonalds, pinking photos, new contacts....my life was in my phone and it was gone.

In disbelief, we left. Braved a snowstorm and made our way to our hotel.

Every muscle in my body had ceased up from the event, the outdoor hot tubs were beckoning me.

The wild partying and drinking changed our plans to soak and relax our achy bodies.

Kali's legs were aching at the event (a side effect from treatment) - she needed this soak as much as I did. Hotel offered no assistance.

In the morning, Billboard (HM Van) was dead. Had my first meltdown while waiting for a boost.

Back brakes picked up rocks between Banff and Jasper resulting in a trip to the mechanic at 8 am the next morning. We hadn't slept anyways in our noisy musty hotel room.

On the way home I left my purse at Shell in Edson.

The kids rarely see me cry. 4 times that trip. I was embarrassed that I had broken down in front of them while we were "supposed" to be rejoicing instead.

So why am I sharing this?

This is my blog - about a family run event... the highs and lows.

On Feb 11 - Our high was our 9th annual Hair Massacure, and all of the good stuff that came to it.

Feb 12 - 15 - low.

I struggled with why I felt like I was being punished after doing Gods work.

Why were we chosen for the dark cloud of bad luck to find us while we were celebrating the successes of our efforts of something positive?

My dear friend (Mel) later shared that things get stirred up to teach us something and perhaps if we are still for long enough we can decipher the message that is coming to us.

My reply to her was: You and I have both ADHD. How are we to be still?

I went to Banff to be still and see what happened?

When I think about that, I realize that I could never go to the mountains to be still.

Nor do I go to the ocean to be still. We are climbing all over stuff, driving all over Gods green earth to investigate every possible corner that can be captured on film and in memory.

Theres no still.

Interestingly, another observation from a good friend (Darcy) who pointed out to me that there is no middle ground in our lives amounts the the highs and lows

As he shared his theory about our exposure to extreme Yin or Yang, it made me realize why I (we) suffer exhaustion.

Our exposures overall seem to involve meeting amazing people, hearing amazing stories, collectively accomplishing amazing feats, laughing till our guts hurt.... then theres the other side.

"Uneventful" almost seems foreign - post Kali years.

On the up side - what I will leave for last is the great things in Banff (that were clouded at the time) - like the deer we came across that wanted to eat the Kali Bear (from Kali), the mechanic that donated the services to fix the van (because she recognized us), my new fun preoccupation with searching for opportunity to implement a pink bear into interesting photos (even if it means crossing a gorge to do so), rolling in the snow in our bikinis, the delicious meal and great service at Chilis, and the 2 hour walk in the canyon (that I promised Mandy would only be a few minutes causing her to make yellow snow on a trail), big horn sheep, ice wine chocolates, and a tour of haunted Banff Springs hotel. Oh... and I had a nice break from my newly recognized addiction - my Iphone. Lesson learned.

The scenery of the rockies was outstanding and once again we came home with 400 photos.

Meagan left a beautiful bouquet of roses and chocolates, Gord left chocolates upon our return and the morons (dogs) ecstatic to see us.

The warmth of our peeps to welcome us home melted away the cloud in Banff.

Our life - Yin or Yang.