The last Saturday in May sees many people in the community become bald, as Brayden Ottenbreit’s Close Cuts for Cancer sees people shave their heads to raise money for cancer research. The campaign recently had its kickoff.

Leone Ottenbreit, organizer for the event, says that the event has raised over $580,000 over its 14 year history, and this year they’re just hoping that they can continue to raise money for the cause and help people with the disease.

“It’s about awareness, it’s about supporting people who are suffering with cancer, and honoring those who have lost their lives,” Ottenbreit says.

She says it’s an event they wish they wouldn’t have to do, but since an increasing number of people are affected by the disease, efforts to raise money and fund research have to continue. Ottenbreit says that for her family, it will always be about their son Brayden, who lost his life to the disease, but that everyone who participates knows someone who has been affected by the disease.

Jon Tieszen’s hair became significantly shorter, though he didn’t shave it off completely. He grew his hair long in order to have enough to donate for a wig, and raised $550 for the cause.

“I’ve had my hair long for 10 years or more. It was time to shorten it up, but my wife and I decided to grow it out for Close Cuts. I actually grew it out extra long just so we can cut it off,” Tieszen says.

“It’s about giving somebody what they need. I can give mine back, someone else who is less fortunate can benefit from it.”

Tieszen encourages anyone with long hair to donate it to the cause.

Those who want to participate can go to the Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer Facebook group, visit their website at www.braydenscutsforcancer.com, phone 783-2637 or email closec...@sasktel.net. There will also be pledge forms available at the Canadian Cancer Society office.