Luke Eilertsen is used to turning heads.
For the past three years the Royal Bay student has been growing out his hair in support of the B.C. Cancer Agency.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e definitely gotten some remarks,B次元官网网址� laughed the 18-year-old.
It all started three years ago, when EilertsenB次元官网网址檚 grandpa wasdiagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that develops when there is a buildup of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. There is no cure, but there are treatments available that can help slow the process.
Eilertsen, who had always been close to his grandpa, was devastated when he learned of the diagnosis.
But instead of letting it get him down, he decided to turn it into something positive. ThatB次元官网网址檚 when he decided to grow out his hair.
Over the past few years, EilertsenB次元官网网址檚 locks have become a labour of love. HeB次元官网网址檚 received advice from his mom and sister about proper hair care and has gone through plenty of elastics, trying to tie up his mane for volleyball practices.
While the last three years have been a journey, with a few naysayers here and there, Eilertsen admits heB次元官网网址檚 looking forward to chopping off roughly 16 inches of his hair next month and donating it to Wigs for Kids. The organization provides wigs to children and teenagers who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or another serious illness, at B.C. ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital in Vancouver.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 tough for the kids. TheyB次元官网网址檙e going through these treatments and they have all these health issues. In todayB次元官网网址檚 society, people focus a lot on appearance and it can be a big self-esteem thing,B次元官网网址� Eilertsen said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a way I can help B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 going to a good place.B次元官网网址�
So far, heB次元官网网址檚 raised more than $1,200 of his $2,000 goal, which will be donated to the cancer agency in Victoria, specifically for family and patient care.
For more information or to donate to EilertsenB次元官网网址檚 campaign visit .
kendra.wong@goldstream
