Jodie Vanderslot | Health Editor
Featured image: SSUHN raised over $700 for Haircuts Against Cancer in Vari Hall last week. | Courtesy of Michael Halkiotis
Cancer is not just one disease—it’s more than 200 diseases with several sub-types and categories. In all types of cancer, there is an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells that spreads to surrounding tissues.
When cancer develops, the normal cell cycle process begins to break down. The cells that are abnormal or damaged, survive and multiply, while new and healthy cells are unable to form when they’re needed.
These abnormal cells form tumors. Malignant tumors invade the nearby tissues; they are invasive and the cells continue to divide without stopping. Cancer cells evade the immune system’s attempt to rid the body of damaged and abnormal cells.
Cancer is caused by gene changes that control how cells function—how they grow and divide. Genetic alterations can also arise during a person’s life, including environmental and substance exposures, such as to radiation or tobacco. While other forms of cancer do carry a genetic predisposition and can increase the odds of being inherited.
Students Supporting UHN (SSUHN) is a student organization that fundraises for the Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret, and Toronto Rehab hospitals.
The club is officially ratified at six universities, including York. Michael Halkiotis founded the club at York in 2016, and since then, SSUHN has been recognized as a top 10 per cent student club in fundraising at York.
Last year, $6,000 was donated to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation—$2,500 from the York Chapter—and this year the expectation is to exceed that goal. Various fundraising events, including bake sales, food truck events, networking events with hospital staff, and most recently, haircutting events have all been organized by SSUHN.
“SSUHN is immensely thankful for the contributions of our volunteers along with the barbers. They enable us to create successful fundraising events for patient care, research, and education at University Health Network, a global healthcare leader with over 60 world firsts,” says President Michael Halkiotis.
Haircuts Against Cancer is their signature event, which recently took place in Vari Hall from February 28 to March 1. Thirty haircuts were given by professional barbers AJ Seballos, Chris Agcaoili, Filipe Da Cunha, and Riley Hildebrandt. The event raised over $700.
AJ Seballos says: “Barbering is not just about cutting hair, it’s about providing the people with an unforgettable experience. Being able to share my passion at York for a good cause is definitely a great feeling. The SSUHN club always hosts successful events and I look forward to many more!”
SSUHN’s next and final event for the year will be at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in May, which will consist of networking with healthcare professionals at the centre. The event’s date is yet to be announced.
