The timing just seemed right for Cory Tremblay when he decided to cut his flowing mane of hair and donate the 11-inch ponytail to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.
Before he was even born, Tremblay lost his grandfather, Roland Tremblay (in 1988) to lung cancer. His aunt, Gisèle Magnan, passed away from breast cancer when Cory was nine-years-old, in 2004. Both died from their illnesses on the same date, Sept. 30.
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, starting his awareness and fundraising campaign on Sept. 30 with a haircut was a natural way to honour their passing.
Like another recent haircut-for-charity event involving Widdifield student-athlete Riley Gravelle, this one also involves a thoughtful, well-spoken young man with the most honest of intentions.
Tremblay, is a dedicated Nipissing University student, who speaks eagerly about his studies, as well as an accomplished athlete. Tremblay was a member of the NOJHL's Powassan Voodoos two years ago, during their inaugural season, when he began growing his hair with this day in mind.
At just 20-years-old, Tremblay is an impressive young man, and his gesture and donation will go to providing a cancer-sufferer some much-needed normalcy in their life.
The big cut took place at Shear Oasis on McKeown Avenue, and in a nice touch, Tremblay's cousin, hairdresser Mandy Veitch did the honours in front of Cory's mother, Denise, his twin brother, Chad, and other assorted family members.
Said Denise about her son's gesture, "When Cory started talking about this a while ago, I thought that maybe he wouldn't tough it out. Long hair is hard to maintain. He makes me very proud."
The ponytail donation will be sealed in a plastic bag and shipped by mail to the people at Pantene. Tremblay said there is an option for donors to find out when their hair is used to make a wig, something he is keen on knowing.
"This day (Sept. 30) is very special to me, with two family members passing away on this date. I want to bring light to the importance of donating money for research, and for donating hair. My friend's mother had breast cancer and survived, but I recall him telling me how much wearing her wig gave her more self-confidence in her recovery, and that stayed with me," said Tremblay.
Cory Tremblay's donations page can be seen here, and will be open for the month of October, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all proceeds will go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
