Great NEWS!!!  Gift Certificates to support Streak for Cancer are here!! 

Available now at our Streak for Cancer Salons and Events. 

Share a gift with family and friends, while giving a gift to cancer research!

On behalf of Streak for Cancer, we wish to extend our warmest wishes of fond memories of this season past and present, to all our Streak for Cancer participants, salons, their customers, all our volunteers, and distributors.

Sizzling Summer with Streak for Cancer

If you have been following Streak for Cancer on any of our social media venues, you will know it’s been a busy three and a half months.  Looking back, I think it’s fair to say, this might even be an understatement!

At the end of June, we announced our campaign has raised more than $15,000 in hair sales and almost $4,000 in cash donations.  This has been an incredible result for us and we couldn’t be more proud of our community.  If you live in Guelph, you already know we are a small little town, with lots of heart, and the first quarter results reflect this.

That being said, we need to keep being vigilant.  Our campaign has demonstrated over the past few months great success to each of our monthly cancer focuses as we have seen significant support for each of these organizations.  Members from our community have offered to organize special events in honour of these particular month focuses, and the results continue to assist cancers whoso desperately needed funding for cancer research.

I had said in a recent television interview that it’s not necessarily a cure we are looking for, however, if this were to happen, I’m pretty sure we’d take it.  Let’s look for a moment at the cancer for which I have been diagnosed with, Indolent Lymphoma.  When the time comes, and treatment is deemed necessary, I may need Chemotherapy.  The goal will be to wipe out my immune system to fight the blood cells for which the cancer resides.  How great would it be that we focus only on those blood cells reeking havoc rather than compromising my entire system?  We aren’t too far away from this in many cancer treatments and it is private funding such as our campaign that’s making this happen.  Cures would be fantastic, but effective less invasive treatments dealing with the here and now to cancer patients today would be pretty sweet as well.  Any advancement that bring such results would be amazing.  For these reasons, we need to keep our focus strong, our wills determined and our commitment to support cancer research going.

So what kind of exciting things are happening with Streak for Cancer? 

-      On Thursday July 21^st, for one day only, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. we are taking Streak for Cancer down the road to the Juravinski Cancer Clinic (JCC) in Hamilton.  JCC is Streak for Cancer’s campaign focus for the month of July and it seems fitting to bring our campaign into their facility. 

-      A recent partnership with an organization here in Guelph called “10 Carden”, an organization established to bring “Space for Change” for not-for-profit and small businesses that represent the desire to make social change in our community, has been instrumental in linking Streak for Cancer to members of the community.  On Friday August 12^th from 11:30-1:30 we will be collaborating with the Guelph Downtown BIA and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit for a lunch hour Streak Café to bring a much needed focus on sun damage and Melanoma.  In addition, the next day, Saturday August 13^th from 9:30-11:30 we will continue this focus and be “streaking” at 10 Carden for folks out enjoying the local Farmers Market and downtown merchants. Such events assist us in keeping our focus in the forefront of our hometown. We encourage you to come out and support us and get involved.

-      September will boast our Teal colour in support of Ovarian Cancer and although we have experienced some difficulties with this colour (as we have been creating this colour in partnership with Eros Hair Studio), we have been pursuing options to secure a more reliable product.  Everyone LOVES this colour, and we are quite hopeful news to this will be available soon, so please stay tuned!

-      Of course when we speak of September, we must also speak about returning to school!  With this, come new opportunities for schools, colleges and universities to get involved.  This is well in the works on many different levels for our campaign, however if you have an idea for an event in your school, please drop us a line at streakforcancer@gmail.com – we’d love to hear your ideas!

-      Finally, are you a stylist or do you know a stylist who may be interested in volunteering at any of our Streak Café Events?  If so, drop us a line at streakforcancer@gmail.com.   As event requests come in, we are always looking for ways to assist us in making these events happen. 

Our amazing campaign salons continue to be very busy in meeting the demand of their own clients as well as volunteering to support and assist our campaign.  We’ve said it many times before, but can never say it enough – our participating salons are BEYOND amazing – thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

I believe it’s safe to say, our HOT summer is upon us, but Streak for Cancer’s COOL colours await you!  Thanks to each of our followers and supporters, we continue to be the talk of the town!  Grab a friend and bring them in!  A splash of colour not only looks great on you, it’s helping make a difference in cancer research one strand at a time.

It’s grayt 2 b me!

In Kind Regards,

Tricia Gray, Founder

Streak for Cancer

A Future Investment with Hope...

It seems strange to me to be walking down the corridor of our local shopping mall or out to dinner with my husband and have people walk up to us and comment about out streak.  It usually starts with, “Nice streak” and usually ends with “Yeah, you too!” - it really is that casual.  As I walk away, I find myself wondering, is this the difference I wanted to make?  I think it is, if certainly feels right.  The campaign is certainly spreading its wings and taking off to a level I could have only imagined, and for thisI am very thankful.

On Tuesday May 17^th, Streak for Cancer streaked 33 staff, residents and visitors at the Elliott Senior’s Community.  This past Friday, May 20^th, our Streak Team of 5 stylist and 6 volunteers streaked over 200 students at St. James High School here in Guelph.  Two Hundred!  The support was absolutely amazing.  I won’t kid you, there were way more females than males, but for those males who came out, they were applauded and celebrated! 

This week truly drove home for me how I envisioned Streak for Cancer to be.  I wanted the campaign to reflect a cross section of age and gender bias.  I wanted to drive home the message that cancer affects each of us in ways most haven’t really imagined. 

When I was in high school, I wasn’t worried about cancer.  I wasn’t thinking of anything really except maybe me, myself and I.  I was brought up to respect my surroundings, to be thankful every day and to be all I could be, but making a difference outside of my world, to my current recollection, really wasn’t part of the connection for me. 



At first I thought streaking the high schools was more of a “phase” - not that this is a bad thing at all!  You know, the “everyone is doing it, so sign me up” phase.  I discovered the students at St. James High School were there for the very reason I started Streak for Cancer in the first place.  Many students shared with me their reasons, mostly in an indirect conflict with a nasty disease which took, either permanently or temporarily away from them their grandmother, their uncle or their Nonno or Oma.  Some more directly afflicted in their circle of family or firends.    Sure some were there because it was the going thing, but I believe more were there for their own personal reasons.

Not so long ago, there was a time that Polio and Hepatitis was the unfortunate demise of so many; where Rubella and Scarlet Fever was feared and of major concern.  Our youth today face cancer in ways we faced these fore mentioned diseases.  How great would it be to no longer have cancer as a common word in our vocabulary? 

The students at St. James did everything in their power to make this a very really possibility.  With great leadership and solid role models, these individuals will bring forward their passion and drive to make this, and so much more happen within their future.  On Friday, we streaked future organizers who will continue to raise the funds to bring hope to the afflicted, researchers who will test their theories, doctors who will tend to their survivors, nurses who will ease the pain of those seeking treatment, and lawyers who will draw up the Patton’s for the cures.

The amazing team that brought Streak for Cancer to St. James.
From left to right, Nathan, Ashley, Tricia, Bianca, Cameron and Kendra.
An amazing job in organizing lead by Bianca!

My world on Friday made perfect sense.  As I reflect on the day now, I wish I had thanked each of them for their future contribution.  Thanks St. James!  You not only made a difference on Friday, your future contributions are about to unfold before us!



A Mother's Day Made Special

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing young man who entered Eros Hair Studio with his mom to get a streak put in his hair.  His name was Owen, and I was soon to learn what brought him in to get a streak in the first place.  Owen's aunts had come in to get a streak to support the Streak for Cancer Campaign, and when he learned about it, he was quick to react.  The week before he got a purple streak, went to school, and the way I figure, was suddenly a huge success with his classmates.  One week later, he stood before me telling me in a shy way that he was back for a second streak.  His mom explained how much the students at his school, "Central Public" were all rallying behind the campaign.  Owen left not with a second streak, but actually a third streak!

 In our brief conversation, Owen had a great impact on me.  Too young to be facing the realities of cancer and all the baggage that goes with it, he understood how cancer can affect a family.  His mom shared with me Owen's thoughts on making gift certificates available so his classmates could purchase a streak for their moms.  He said it's a great gift to give that kids can afford and moms would love to receive.

You know, great things come in small packages.  Owen and his classmates are real ambassadors to making a difference in our world.  I learned a lot from our encounter Owen, and I really just wanted to tell you this.  I can't thank you enough for making the suggestion, and because of you, lots of kids can make their Mother's Day for their moms, aunts, grandmothers and friends that more meaningful and special by purchasing a gift certificate in any of our 8 participating salons.  Streak for Cancer has already taught me a world of lessons, but this lesson came in a little package.

I'm taking my mom out tomorrow to get her second batch of streaks.  This time, it’s my treat.  Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!

It's Grayt2bme!

It's Great to Streak!

I must apologize, as I have been a bit slow in updating folks.  A lot has been happening over the past two weeks, but no fear, it's ALL good!!

First let's start by thanking the estimated 300 "Streakers" walking around out there for their support and commitment to our Streak for Cancer campaign!  In 2+ short weeks, you have helped us make a strong statement about how much you care for those afflicted with cancer.

Our campaign's focus during the month of April is Leukemia and Lymphoma recognized by the colour burgundy. (Even though you can get whatever colour you want and donate to whichever organziation you wish any time throughout the campaign.)  As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma last year, along with more than 8,000 other Canadians.  I had the honour of sharing this on Roger’s Television (“Inside Guelph” with Trish Stevenson, Cable 20) this past Monday.  Jay and Nitsa Cozzarin of Eros Hair Studio, also shared their story of Lucas, their 5 year old nephew who is currently being treated with Leukemia.  Even though Leukemia makes up for almost 1/2 of the childhood cancers, 40 years ago there was only a 5% chance of surviving.  Today there is a 90% chance of survival beyond 5 years of diagnosis/treatment.  It's great news! 
Lucas, even though we have not yet met, you are my hero!  Your Uncle Jay and Aunt Nitsa have shared with me your great attitude and determination – love your pictures too!  I can't wait to meet you at Jessica's Footprint in June!  

I have also been hearing how many are travelling from out of town just to be part of the movement here in Guelph.  In addition, I have been blessed by many of you whom have bravely trusted me with your amazing stories of how cancer has touched you, either directly or indirectly.  We have laughed, cried and at times have stood with mouths open in disbelief, but one common element is how we are working together towards making a difference - one STRAND at a time.  It's been absolutely incredible how so many have "heard through the grape vine" about Streak for Cancer and have acted on what they have heard.  I am humbled, absolutely humbled - thank you!

On Sunday April 17th at the Delta Guelph Hotel, the "You Deserve it!  Woman's Show - It's All About YOU!" will be held.  Tranquil Body Solutions will be supporting Streak for Cancer at their table by offering our streaks to those in attendance, and we are encouraging folks to check it out and get streaked! 

Now don't forget, we have 11 and a 1/2 months to keep the ball rolling for our campaign!  We have some great events we will be participating in through April, May and June.  We can't lose our momentum!  Please take the time to tell 2 friends about Streak for Cancer.  Have them follow us on facebook or here on our blog and keep informed about our campaign.  We rely on word of mouth to get our campaign out there.

If you are streaking now, thank you!  Next month we will focus on Brain Cancer.  My sister-in-law and her family have been coping with this for many years now, and she has been doing great!  She and my brother have been instrumental in bringing the Spring Sprint for Brain Tumour Research here to Guelph...but that's for my next post!

Thanks for your support!  Keep up the great work!

It’s Grayt 2 b me!

Streak for Cancer Launch Party at Fusion Hair Studio Guelph April 1st 1-4

Thanks to Lucie and her staff for supporting Streak for Cancer!

Here we go folks!

On Friday April 1st (NO FOOLIN'!) we will be hosting our Streak for Cancer Launch Party at Fusion Hair Studio at 1460 Gordon Street South from 1-4 p.m. Walk-ins are VERY welcome, and snacks will be provided by Lucie's Bakery & Deli. A HUGE thank you to Lucie and her staff for helping us out in getting streak up and running! In addition, a special thank you to Jimmie and his staff at Fusion for getting the ball rolling in bringing our "4-in-the-morning" ahhh haaa moment to fruition!

If you can’t make it out Friday afternoon, contact one of our participating salons and arrange for a streak. APRIL kicks off our campaign’s focus of Leukemia and Lymphoma and is recognized by BURGUNDY. All colours will be available, and you can choose which cancer affiliation you wish to direct your donation. We are encouraging everyone to consider following the monthly focus of cancers and colours, but frankly, we just want you to participate any way you can!

The biggest compliment to the campaign is getting a streak and talking it up to everyone you know. Cancer now plays a big part in our life, but through your support, we can change the face of cancer one strand at a time. Thank you for your support...now let's get STREAKING!!!

BTW, the Guelph Tribune will be running a story on our campaign tomorrow, so look for this, read the article, and let us know what you think!

Cheers!



Grayt2bme!

We are about to go "Streaking"!

Well there's been a lot going on, but it's time to put our words into action! 

Read on!

Events we are working on...

•  On April 1, 2011 our coloured hair extensions will be available in 8 different salons.  (See above for more information.)  Three salons will carry pre-bonded coloured hair extensions, while five others will carry clip-in hair extensions. 
• Join us on April 1st at Fusion Hair Studio on Gordon Street where we will be on site to give our campaign a "kick start".  Jim and his amazing staff will be happy to add a streak! (Walk-ins welcome!)  Choose from 12 different colours to support 12 different cancers!  Together we can change the face of cancer, one strand at a time.
• On Monday April 4th, be sure to tune into our local Rogers T.V. (channel 20) for the "Inside Guelph" telecast when Streak for Cancer will speak with host Trish Stevens about out Streak for Cancer Campaign.  We will focus on April's cancer focus of Leukemia and Lymphoma.  We will bring with us a guest whose family has had personal reason to role up their sleeves and get involved with Streak for Cancer.
• On Sunday April 17th, join us at Delta Hotel in Guelph for the "You Deserve It" Women's Show where the Tranquil Body Solutions table will be accepting donations and applying streaks into your existing hairstyle.

As events come up, we'll keep you posted.  Check out our facebook page and join our social network to keep informed.  Search "Streak for Cancer" and be part of the campaign.