The Raw and Reflective 2021 calendar has been launched with hopes of raising money for Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka.
It was a chance meeting with two strangers on a flight from Nova Scotia when Barrie hairstylist Sharon Smith had the idea for a calendar with local models to raise money for those who have dealt with cancer.
“These two women were loud and celebrating and I asked what they were happy about, and if I could have what they were having,” Smith told BarrieToday. “They said they just raised $11,000 for the fight against cancer.”
Smith asked how the women did it and when they said by making and selling a naked calendar, she knew she had to get to work.
“I organized a team of photographers, videographers and models,” Smith said. “It has been a lot of work these last few years, but honestly has been a lot of fun.”
Cancer Care Ontario stats indicate that, in 2020, Ontarians were expected to be diagnosed with the disease and close to 92,000 new cases of cancer, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. One in two people are expected to experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
Courtney Haddock was diagnosed four years ago with breast cancer. The 28-year-old, who is currently in remission, told BarrieToday she jumped at the chance to give back Gilda’s Club.
“I’ve been with Gilda’s for four years now and I can’t say enough for what they have done for me,” said Haddock. “Their programs are invaluable and helped me meet so many people who I was able to relate to and take comfort in.”
Haddock, who is Miss April in the 2021 calendar, admitted she was very nervous to do the photo shoot, but as a young woman who is “fully flat” after a breast removal procedure, she knew it was important to put herself out there.
“I’ve never modelled before, not like this especially," she said. "But after feeling comfortable with a couple on set who helped, I decided to bare my chest completely. It was nerve-wracking, for sure, but very important to show others that it isn't the end of the world.”
Miss December Diana Boyes is also one of the 12 models featured in the 2021 calendar. She is dealing with a rare and untreatable cancer that gives her a different perspective on life.
“I’ve been living with this for 10 years and I live every day as if it is my last,” Boyes said. “That is why this calendar is so fun because everyone is half-naked and the whole thing is a bit daunting, shooting with a photographer you’ve never met before.”
Boyes chose December as she was diagnosed at the end of November and has set a goal for herself.
“I have vowed to not let this take me any year close to Christmas. This is my favourite time of year and I also don’t want my kids to have to live with this every year around such a joyous time,” she said.
It is stories from people like Haddock and Boyes that touch Smith when she receives her first copy of the calendar she helps to put together.
“I don’t read any of the stories from the models until I get that copy and I can go over them all. That's when it all hits me on what we are doing here,” Smith said. “The theme of the calendar this year is 'courage' for that reason, the courage these models, men and women, have while facing this disease.”
Due to COVID-19, money is short, access to life-saving surgeries is backlogged, and isolation is increasing.
“Last year, we had a goal of $20,000 and hit $31,000. It was a huge success,” said Smith. “This year, if we can hit $20,000, I would be over the moon.”
The calendars are available at Connect Hair Studio and Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka and through supporters and models in the calendar.
Calendars are $20 with all proceeds going to Gilda’s Club, which is named for legendary comedian Gilda Radner, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986 and quickly realized the importance of emotional and social support. She died in May 1989.
Radner's husband, comedian Gene Wilder, helped found the flagship Gilda’s Club in New York City.
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka provides a gathering place where people with cancer, as well as their families and friends, or people that have lost someone to cancer, can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support as a supplement to regular medical care.
