“No Hair, Don’t Care” raises $15,350 for WCCF, nearly quadrupling original goal

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

photo submitted

When Essex resident Sara Market (pictured centre) was diagnosed with ovarian cancer around last Christmas, all she could think about was how she could help others.

  So, she embarked on a journey with her family to fundraise for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation (WCCF) to make undergoing treatment easier and more comfortable for others.

  Ultimately, she wanted to turn her diagnosis into something positive and created the “Team Sara: No Hair, Don’t Care fundraiser.”

  What began as a goal to raise $4,000 through an online collection campaign was smashed in just four-days. From there, a series of fundraisers were hosted – including her sister, Bethany, MacLachlan (pictured left), shaving her head, her dad, Nick, dying his moustache pink, her brother, Daniel, dying his goatee purple, a pasta dinner, and a collaboration with Advanced Tattoo – where $15,350 was raised.  

  The proceeds were forwarded to the WCCF on the morning of Tuesday, July 14.

  “It feels good,” Market said of being able to make the donation. She was very proud to have organized the fundraiser with her family and to be able to make such a sizable donation to the WCCF.

  As Market is a well-known individual in Essex Centre – who has made many friends and acquaintances through her walks about town, her work with her Dad, Nick, in construction, and as a bar cleaner at Billys Taphouse – it was no surprise to MacLachlan so many reached out to support her in her fundraising efforts. 

   Market hopes the funds will support individuals and families battling the disease, and also to research to help “find a cure to cancel the cancer.”

  A portion of the fundraising was particularly meaningful to MacLachlan, who shaved her head in April as part of the fundraiser. This was a way she could show support to her sister as she is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, which has caused her to lose her hair.

  Thirty-years ago, when Market was 14-years-old, she underwent brain surgery for epilepsy and had to shave her head.

  At the time, MacLachlan offered to shave her head, also, but it never came to be. She saw this opportunity as a chance to follow through on that promise.

  Market said she has two rounds of chemo left in the coming weeks, and is hopeful she will be done with the treatment at that point. She also travelled to London’s Victoria Hospital for a needed surgery in May.

  The show of support from the community was particularly special to the sisters. 

  “Sara has always brightened the lives of everyone around her. Known for her warm smile, friendly waves, and kindness, she has inspired countless people in our community,” the online fundraising page highlighted.

  Since her brain surgery, Market has baked treats and has forwarded the funds raised for epilepsy research and to the hospital in London where her first surgery took place.

  While chemo did make Market feel a little tired, she was happy to focus on organizing the fundraiser, which not only raised a significant donation for the WCCF, but raised her spirits during a difficult time.

  Through her experience, she hopes to encourage many to consider a career in oncology.

  “Nothing keeps her down,” MacLachlan said of her sister. She was not surprised the community rallied around her the way they did. “Everybody knows Sara.”

  Her sister, MacLachlan said, has this light inside of her that shines through her willingness to help others. It is seen by the love she puts out into the world.

  MacLachlan and Market were grateful to everyone who supported their fundraiser, including those who donated funds, businesses that donated items or collaborated in some way, and everyone who volunteered their time to help.

  They believe it was likely Market’s drive to help without expecting anything in return that made the fundraiser so successful.

  “It is always good to be there for people,” Market said.

  MacLachlan hopes their efforts serve as an example that anyone can do something impactful to give back to the community.  

  For Market, it was great to see everyone giving and sharing. She also spoke of how God knows the right thing to do.

  “We are grateful. We are blessed and lucky to be surrounded by great people,” MacLachlan added. 

  To keep herself busy, Market has been relearning how to crochet, a skill her mother taught her when she was little.

  For the WCCF, the donation was a huge deal, Houida Kassem, Executive Director, said.

WCCF receives no government funding, so it relies on donations to support those undergoing cancer treatments locally.

  What is particularly beautiful about this story is that the sisters set out to raise $4000, and nearly quadrupled that. What was even more remarkable was how the community rallied around them and showed unwavering support.

  “I can’t thank everyone who donated enough,” she said. “We can’t do what we do without our community.”

  The fundraising, she added, allowed Market to focus on something positive, rather than her cancer treatment.

  Every dollar raised for the WCCF stays local and supports cancer patients in need, Kassem added.

  Donations like these ensure local cancer patients receive the best possible care through purchasing state-of-the-art technology, providing funding to the Patients’ Assistance Program, purchasing dignity robes, and funding initiatives the WCCF has ongoing.

  It is all about ensuring cancer patients can stay close to home for their treatment, Kassem said. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is difficult. Having to travel to a different city – away from support networks – adds to the stress. The WCCF tries to support patients, so they can receive treatment locally.

  Every year, the WCCF has a different fundraising goal, based on the request from the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. This year’s target is to raise $1.5M, and community support is essential in reaching those annual targets.

  Some like to organize their own fundraisers – be it dinners, golf tournaments, or bake sales. Others may not have the time and may want to support those fundraising events or WCCF’s signature fundraising events, or may even directly provide the WCCF with a donation.

  The WCCF has consistent support year-after-year because cancer has touched nearly everyone, Kassem said. Whether the economy is good or tough, cancer does not care. She appreciates everyone who still rallies around their organization.

  Those thinking of starting a fundraiser can find a fundraising kit on www.windsorcancerfoundation.org. A donation can be made through the site as well.