Julien Clement recently cut his hair to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Correlieu student has helped make a child’s experience with cancer a bit less unpleasant.
Julien has seen many people go through the devastating cancer diagnosis and has lost loved ones to the disease.
“My dad’s friend passed away and my cousin’s grandma died from cancer as well,” he said.
Julien decided to shave his head to donate his hair to someone going through cancer treatment who needed a wig.
For Julien, it was an easy decision.
“People always get their hair trimmed and cut and the hair just goes in the garbage,” Julien said.
“I find that a bit disrespectful when you could be giving the hair to someone who needs it.”
Julien’s mom, Wendy, said she’s proud of her son for going through with growing his hair out, despite getting teased about it at school.
“The kids were teasing him for having this long, blond, curly hair,” she said.
“Your hair’s a big part of your identity so I’m proud of him for doing this.”
Julien said he first shaved his hair off after his parents told him they didn’t think he would do it.
“I told them if they gave me $20, I’d do it,” Julien explained.
“My mom gave me the money and told me not to spend it because she didn’t think I’d go ahead with get my head shaved.”
Julien then grew his hair out for nearly two years before getting it cut last Wednesday.
A total of 11 inches of his blond locks were cut and will be sent to the Prince George office of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Julien said he got some donations to send as well and that some teachers at Correlieu are collecting.
When Julien went back to school after shaving his head, he said he got mixed reactions and some didn’t recognize him with his new short ‘do.
“One of my friends was getting his lunch and I went to sit with him and he didn’t recognize me,” Julien said.
As for how he prefers his hair, Julien said there are pros and cons to each.
“Short hair is stylish, but long hair is natural,” Julien explained.
“If I have it long, my ears don’t get cold and it keeps mosquitos away from my neck.”
Wendy, however, has a favourite style for her son’s hair.
“I love his long hair,” she said, smiling.
Julien is hoping to keep contributing to the cause.
“I’ll probably grow my hair out and cut it again to donate if I have time before I graduate,” he said.
He also explained there are guidelines for hair to be accepted to make wigs.
“The hair has to be a minimum of eight inches long and can’t be coloured” he explained.
“The hair also can’t be too heat treated or brittle.”
After all is said and done, Julien is glad he decided to go through with everything.
“It’s a rewarding experience.”