(Edmonton) One U of A physical therapy student is raising eyebrows in class these days and it's not for his scholastic achievements.
Jason Waddell's fellow students, as well as faculty and staff in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, have been doing a double take when they see him sporting pink hair in class.
The first-year physical-therapy student is on a mission over the next few weeks to raise money for the 2011 edition of Hair Massacure, an event in support of cancer patients. Participants typically go pink for a month prior to the event to raise awareness and funds in support of the event's charitable causes.
Inspired by Sandy Farquharson, his supervisor at the Stollery Children's Hospital where he has been volunteering in the teen room for the past three years, Waddell is determined to follow in her footsteps and hopefully break her fundraising record. Farquharson "went pink" a few years ago and, when she heard Waddell wanted to do something for the kids, she suggested he take part.
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"We have oncology patients here at the Stollery who experience hair loss during their treatment," says Farquharson. "It means a lot to those fighting this disease that someone like Jason is doing something for their benefit."
Waddell's volunteer work at the Stollery, as well as his recent first-year placement at the Cross Cancer Institute, has also had a profound impact on him. After witnessing first-hand how children cope with cancer, Waddell was determined to take action.
Working in the health-care profession is something Waddell is truly passionate about; it's been a lifelong dream.
Waddell, who also has a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from the U of A, is dedicated to working with children. He wants to make their experiences, whether it's in the hospital or a clinic, just a little bit brighter.
He's also been able to use his volunteer experiences as an example in his class discussions about patient-care issues. For Waddell, it's important to think about working with children from their point of view and consider their feelings.
"The kids don't always understand what's happening when they are in the hospital and I just want to do whatever I can to make them feel better about being there," says Waddell.
For this grad student, the attention is taking a little getting used to. He's getting a reaction wherever he goes; in fact, one woman ran into a door while staring at his pink 'do.
While the strange looks are one thing, Waddell wants those who see him to stop and ask him about his colourful coif.
He says, "I want people to ask me about my hair. I want to share why I am doing this and my experience in working with kids battling cancer."
The process of turning his dark brown locks to a shocking pink took just over three hours and involved bleaching and dyeing. The colour was named after Kali MacDonald, who inspired the Hair Massacure event.
Two weeks into the endeavour, he is just over one-third of the way there.
Waddell says that, "Even if I don't make my goal of $2,000, I am proud of my efforts and the support I have received thus far."
The head-shaving event takes place Feb. 11 at West Edmonton Mall. Proceeds from the Hair Massacure benefit the Stollery Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and the Make A Wish Foundation.
To donate to Jason's efforts click www.hairmassacure.stollerypledge.memlink.org or for more information on the Hair Massacure, visit www.hairmassacure.com.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.