Flexman and Smith to Shave Heads at Game for The Cure

September 10, 2009

Tyla Flexman and Samantha Smith are taking The Game for The Cure seriously. Very seriously. Both National Team players will be donating their locks post game at The Game for the Cure part of Field Hockey for The Cure Game September 13th at Wright Field UBC.

"Six months ago, I never would have even considered this", says Flexman a Vancouver native and UBC Alumni. "It just seemed like a powerful statement to show solidarity for all patients affected by cancer". "What they are going through is way more than I will have to endure".

The game hopes to raise $20,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation. Samantha Smith admits it didn’t cross her mind until Tyla approached her.

"When I saw Tyla’s enthusiasm for the idea I just thought yes, we have to go for it" said Smith. “I was pretty moved to learn the hair can be used to make wigs for kids with cancer”

The game will feature 500 pink balls tossed at half time, a wall of hope made up of ribbons, as well as commemorative stick shirts and wrist bands. Vancouver Canucks President and GM Mike Gillis will preside over the Bully ( opening face off) and the ball toss. His daughter, Kate Gillis is on the National Field Hockey Team and Mike is a great supporter.

“As we were planning the game, we discovered two former captains of Team Canada have had experience with Cancer, one is a Breast Cancer survivor, the other is in chemo therapy right now; it really hit home” says Louis Mendonca, Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s Program.

Game time is 4:00 pm September 13th Wright Field UBC.