Lexi Bainas, Citizen News, September 30, 2011

Two prominent Cowichan Valley dance teachers are offering their beautiful hair as part of Valley's efforts to boost the 2011 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Kim Robb and Joyce Scott, two of the owners of Carlson's School of Dance, have promised to shave their heads and are hoping they can raise a total of $5,000 for research into pediatric cancer.

So far, they've got $3,000 and are working towards more so why not consider helping push their campaign over the top? Receipts are available for any contribution over $15. Joyce Scott, left, and Kim Robb of Carlson's School of Dance are planning to shave their heads for the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock when it comes to Duncan Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Scott and Robb, and their Carlson's family of dancers and supporters have been rallying all summer for the important cause.

There has even been a Carlson's account at the Cowichan Valley Bottle Depot on Norcross Road where you can donate your recycling money to boost this Tour de Rock fundraiser.

Asked what made them finally decide to go for it, Scott said, "Kim and I have talked about this for a few years. The main thing I think for us are the students who've had cancer, like Lourdess [Sumners]. That touched us so much. And then to stand backstage and watch her when they came back was so moving."

Robb agreed.

"Yes, she came back and danced. I think I had to turn away. I didn't want the kids to see me bawling," she said.

And then Sumners went through it all again, which motivated the Carlson's duo even more.

"I think we've all been touched by cancer at one time or another but when it's to do with children, it touches you in a very special way," Scott said.

Robb chimed in, "And of course there's little Amelie [McLean] down in Mill Bay who dances with Steps Ahead. She's been in Vancouver all summer."

Both women agreed that the bravery of such youngsters in the face of extraordinary challenges is very inspiring.

Scott said, "If you visit Children's Hospital in Vancouver, you can go in with whatever you are feeling for the day and you see these little children either being pushed in wheelchairs or walking with their IV unit and they have no hair but they're so cheerful. Then, you just say to yourself, 'What troubles do I have?'

"The strength they show with the procedures they have to go through and the medication they have to take, it's humbling."

So, they've put the word out along the Carlson's network to start the ball rolling.

"The response has been good. There's a raffle going on right now and the children are selling tickets. We've had a hamburger sale that raised us quite a lot of money and we're doing it again on Saturday and then we're having a bake sale here on Monday, Oct. 3 [as part of the grand opening of Carlson's enlarged studio on Sherman Road]. And we've had donations from friends and family," Robb said.

The Valley is welcoming the Cops for Cancer riders at Beverly Corners just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Scott hopes she's ready for the cool weather when her locks fall.

"I have a friend who's knitting a tuque for me to wear," she said.

Now, it's time for local folks to get on board and help boost the totals.

"I think they will. And, even after the fact, we'll still be urging people to make a donation. It doesn't have to be on that day," Robb said.

© Cowichan Valley Citizen 2011

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