Airdrie salon rallies around resident battling rare cancer with cut-a-thon

An Airdrie hair salon is raising funds for a local woman battling a rare form of uterine cancer whose chemotherapy treatments aren't covered by the province.

An Airdrie hair salon is raising money to cover a local woman’s chemotherapy costs by hosting a weekend cut-a-thon.

HairBenders Salon, located on Second Avenue, is offering haircuts by donation – with a $25 minimum – from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The goal is to raise money for 36-year-old Emilyy Windslow, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for the last three years.

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“I was given an injection to put me in medical menopause to hopefully shrink the fibroids,” Winslow explained.

The problem was, it wasn’t fibroids; it was Stage IV Uterine Leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that affects roughly six in every one million women.

Regular chemotherapy didn’t work, and the cancer spread to her lungs.

A newer drug called Trabectedin – also known as Yondelis — was recently approved in Canada, giving Winslow hope.

But it’s expensive.

“It’s up to $10,000 per round,” Winslow said.

A total of $60,000 for the full six treatments.

Making matters worse, the drug is not covered provincially, Winslow said.

“Trabectedin is not covered by public drug plans in Canada,” and “has not yet completed the national review process,” said Alberta’s Primary and Preventative Health Services in a statement to CTV News.

“Alberta will review it as quickly as possible to determine what coverage may be provided through the provincial cancer drug program.”

Winslow’s sister started a GoFundMe to fundraise, which helped cover the first two appointments.

“Originally, my plan was to sell my vehicle and take out some loans,” Winslow said.

That’s when HairBenders stepped in.

Not only is the salon holding a haircut-a-thon, it is also hosting a silent action and a raffle.

“I’ve been met with like a lot of people in the community – whether that’s in Airdrie, Calgary or the surrounding areas – they want to show up, they want to help,” said Jamie Morros, Windslow’s friend.

The haircut-a-thon is a prebooked event but walk-ins will be accepted if there is time.

Winslow is taking time off work and from her duties as a cheer coach with Cheer Sport Sharks Calgary.

“She’s always been strong for us, and you would have no idea what she’s going through,” said Mckinley Burleigh, a cheer athlete who was coached by Winslow for a better part of a decade.

“She always has the biggest smile on her face and she’s always just the happiest person.”

Winslow says she’s grateful for the support.

“Cancer sucks, but having incredible people in your life just makes it suck a little bit less.”