Sharon Strong

When Sharon Rumery received the diagnosis of Stage 4B lung cancer Jan. 2021 it changed her life. Sharon went from hiking Pleasant Mountain in the fall, to having trouble walking to the bathroom without stopping for a break.

What hasn’t changed is Sharon’s positive outlook and fighting spirit. In honor of that spirit, it has inspired a group of us to put together a fundraising event. This event is set up to support clients to receive wigs and counseling through this trying time, who may not be able to afford it on their own.

Patients are further challenged with isolation due to Covid restrictions. They are alone when the support of loved ones is limited. This is why we teamed up with Hair Matters. Hair Matters is an amazing non-profit organization which provides the complete process of hair analysis, wig design, and most of all, support for cancer patients.

On May 1 st , Better Fit Fitness Center will be hosting “Sharon Strong”. This event will allow anyone who ever thought about cutting a portion of their own hair to donate to cancer patients, a chance to do so. Erin Hawkins a co-founder of this movement will be donating all of her hair for this event.

The event will be held at Better Fit Fitness Center on May 1st from 12-4pm. It is located in the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 25 in Standish Maine. All hair donations have to be:

• A minimum of 8 inches long
• Recently washed
• Colored hair is accepted

Other fund-raising activities will include:

• Donations ($20 and up suggested!)
• Virtual 5K
• Push-up and sit-up challenge
• Head shaving/hair cutting (to donate)

This isn’t a solution or in any way to simplify what people go through when they are diagnosed with cancer but it is a small part of what a person goes through. Losing your hair can be very devastating for most people. We want to take that burden away from those who do not have insurance or cannot do it on their own.

Cancer affects every single one of us so here is a way we can all come together as a community and show support for our loved ones. Whether you have hair to give, a financial contribution, or simply a network of friends you can pass this movement along to. One person can do a lot on their own, but together we can touch so many and help our loved ones know that the fight in front of them is not theirs alone.

You can sign up for this event by emailing Lucille Smith at lsmith1126@yahoo.com.