Having grown her hair for five years, Tara Pinch has decided to shave her head for cancer research.
“The first response I get to this is ‘wow, that’s amazing,’” said Pinch. “The second is: ‘why?’
“The reality is we all have a why. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, two in five Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Approximately one in four Canadians is expected to die of the disease.”
Pinch said aside from the free haircut, she has personal reasons for cutting her hair for cancer research. She said she lost her grandfather, Edwin Lockwood, to cancer in 2009.
“I was lucky enough to be with him in his last days,” said Pinch. “Cancer reduced his body to a shell of his former self, but his spirit was strong until the end.”
Pinch said her stepmother, Debbie Galinski, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017.
“With the assistance of an incredibly skilled surgeon, and our local oncology team, today she is in complete remission,” said Pinch.
Finally, her friend since middle school, Charlene Anderson, lost her 20-year battle with brain cancer last summer.
“She leaves behind a loving husband, two beautiful teenaged children, and many adoring family and friends,” said Pinch.
Pinch added that she works as relief for the oncology booking clerk at qathet General Hospital, and sees the cancer warriors coming in to get their treatment.
“You’d think it would be a sad place, but it’s not,” said Pinch. “It’s filled with love and optimism.
“Let’s face it, I have a lot of hair – too much for one person. If you can believe it, this is only five years of growth. There’s someone out there, or maybe several someones, who have more use for it than I do.”
Pinch said that being said, she’s not doing this for free.
“My dear friend Kim Leahy raises money for cancer research every year,” said Pinch. “If she can ride 100 kilometres, you can donate some cash. If Kim can raise $2,500, or her team can raise $5,000 by their ride on August 16, the hair goes.”
According to a Facebook post, the Tour de Friends (qathet) team of four, of which Leahy is a member, is riding in the 100-kilometre Tour de Victoria on August 16 in support of the BC Cancer Foundation. To donate, follow this link: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/93634/2025-ryder-hesjedals-tour-de-victoria/pledge/team/822330.
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