Yorkton's Close Cuts 4 Cancer holds 26th annual head shave
Compared to years prior, Brayden Ottenbreit’s Close Cuts 4 Cancer had a quiet year in 2023.
Six individuals participated in the annual head shave, but it was a strong showing for those who turned out.
Over $15,000 was raised for local cancer initiatives during the event, with other individuals participating remotely.
“We always get the kudos for this event and it truly is not about us. We put it together, but it's the community,” said co-founder Leone Ottenbreit.
“If the community wasn't here, supporting what we're doing, whether it be the head shaves itself, the car raffle that we're doing throughout the summer, or the barbecues or pancake breakfasts, it's really the community that builds and grows this event and we're just so thankful to all of the businesses that get involved, the donors, the volunteers, the participants. It's truly about everybody else.”
For the Ottenbreit family, the 2023 version of the head shave had a special meaning, for a new reason.
Leone said Greg’s brother, Grant, was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Greg is currently well into remission from his own battle with cancer, according to Leone.
She said the advancements she has seen since young Brayden’s battle, to Greg’s battle, to now Grant’s is truly remarkable.
“[Grant is] getting a treatment called immunotherapy, which is very different from what Greg and Brayden went through,” Leone said.
“The side effects are way less. It's still not a pleasant experience. But that just shows us why doing what we do is so important, because that's from cancer research — that wasn't even available seven years ago. It was starting to be talked about when Greg was diagnosed, but now it is a mainstream treatment. It's just very encouraging to see that.”
The Ottenbreit’s are also running a raffle for a one-of-a-kind car build, along with its regular initiatives such as community barbeques and pancake breakfasts throughout the summer, with all proceeds heading to the family’s multiple cancer initiatives.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.