Mother and daughter team up to support cancer research

Her employer, Westmount’s Pierre Mon Coiffeur, will host the event.

“We are doing it because cancer affects us all,” said salon owner Josée Asselin, 45. “We have many clients who have been touched by cancer. Some made it but others didn’t.”

Ever since Cimmino lost her mother to lung cancer 13 years ago, she has wanted to do something to help fight the disease. “I decided this would be the year to do it,” she said. “And I chose to shave my head.”

Cimmino’s 8-year-old daughter, Paola English, is also involved. Instead of shaving her head, the grade three student will cut her curly, golden locks and donate her hair to make wigs and headgear for cancer patients.

“I want to do it because I want cancer to end,” said Paola. “I don’t want people to be sick because of cancer.”

Cimmino says she never asked her daughter to do this. In fact, she says Paola didn’t even want her to shave her head at first. “Then she understood why I was doing it and she decided to join me,” said Cimmino. “It’s a big deal for her because her hair is really important.”

Paola disagrees. “Within one year my hair will be long again,” she said. “I want to do this even if my mother doesn’t shave her head.”

The women are asking customers, friends and family to donate a minimum of $2 to sign their fundraising poster. On the day of the shave, Asselin and colleague Manon Lavoie will style Cimmino’s shoulder-length tresses into ponytails. Anyone wishing to get in on the action can donate $10 to cut one off.

The fundraising started on July 29, while Cimmino was on vacation, and the salon has raised about $500 so far. “I was amazed to see how many customers donated,” said Cimmino. “I couldn’t believe how many people are supportive of my initiative.”

“We were nervous about asking for donations at first,” said Asselin. “But we are happy to see how well it’s going – we are very enthusiastic about the event.”

Cimmino hopes to reach and perhaps exceed her fundraising objective. “It’s like cancer,” she said. “We live on hope.”

The team at Pierre Mon Coiffeur invites the community to participate. Supporters are welcome to stop by the salon at 4445 Ste. Catherine Street W. anytime on or before the day of the event. The shave will take place at 1 p.m. on Aug. 19.

For more information, call 514-932-6905.