Balding for bravery was no easy process

I have to admit, when my editor handed me a news release and said he wanted me to write a report for an event at a local bar, I wasn't excited.

“Shave For The Brave,” stated the release, which included a phone number for a woman named Barbara Bell.

But reporting is my job; what choice did I have? So I picked up the phone and called her and am I ever glad I did.

Speaking with Barbara, I was told the event was happening because her father John Sr. had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In a demonstration of solidarity the children were going to shave their heads so their father would not have to feel alone during his fight.

That's when my attitude changed.

I became eager to dive head-first into the story. I realized this was about more than a head-shaving, this was a family uniting in the face of adversity, even if it meant giving up a little piece of themselves in the process.

During our brief conversation I was invited to Barbara's house where I was introduced to the rest of the Smith siblings: Debra, Krista, Stacey, John and Keith. I met the Smith family matriarch Linda and her husband John Sr. and from the moment I walked in the door I was treated as one of their own.

In ethics class reporters are taught to remain detached. For example, at luncheons we're allowed a maximum of three to four sandwiches, while reviewing concerts we're to avoid clapping too enthusiastically, lest we show our bias, and the most hardcore among us don't even vote.

But the Smiths caused me to abandon my ethics; I am one-hundred-per-cent in support of their efforts.

After about five minutes in the house I was drinking coffee at the kitchen table and telling the family how excited I was to tell their story.

There was something about this family. The togetherness. The compassion. The faith.

Esophageal cancer is rare. Only 23 cases have been diagnosed in the NWT in 23 years and like almost everyone in Canada, I have been personally affected by cancer.

As a child I had a cousin taken away from me after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer.

Suddenly it hit me. I knew how I was going to help. I was going to shave my head and raise money in solidarity with the Smiths.

Also, I look pretty good with a buzz cut.

Barbara was reading off the list of the people who were going to shave their heads. She was halfway through the list when I looked at her and said, “put me down there.”

Barbara looked at me like I was insane and the family seemed moved to the point where I became an honorary cousin.

After an hour of tears, laughs and about three cups of coffee (thanks Linda) I ended the interview, offered my goodbyes and headed back to the office.

On Saturday I sat at home preparing for the shave. I woke up in the morning and added to my Instagram story. But about mid-way through the afternoon I started to feel discontent.

Something wasn't right with me, I wasn't satisfied with the $200 raised by the NNSL staff. So I did what any millennial would; I badgered people on social media for more donations and to my surprise my “followers” raised an additional $400.

I needed a good haircut, and that's exactly what I got at the Raven Pub on Saturday night.

Props to Joe Kalnins for the amazing job.

So here I am, mostly bald and enjoying every minute of it.

The Smith family is in for ups and downs. They know it, but despite adversity they continue to be in the best spirits. Their message has reached so many in Yellowknife.

If Saturday was any indication; John Sr., Linda, Barbara, Stacey, Debra, Krista, John Jr and Keith will not be fighting alone.