Cincinnati, OH – September 29, 2015 – Several of the young women on the campus of Saint Ursula Academy are sporting a new, shorter hairstyle this week as they strive to live the mission of the school by building a better world for those stricken with cancer. In all, 61 students, teachers, and parents participated in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Hair Cutting Event at Saint Ursula Academy. Each participant had at least 8 inches of her long locks cut by professional hairstylists to donate to the cause, which provides free wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.
The event, organized by seniors Annie Hamiter of Union Township and Maggie Viox of South Lebanon occurs every other year at Saint Ursula Academy. That allows the girls plenty of time to grow out their hair before the next event. This year, 19 local stylists donated their time to support the girls who were donating hair.
Cancer survivor Kim Listermann, whose husband works at Saint Ursula Academy, spoke to the girls prior to the event. “One of the things I want to say to them is to make sure they listen to their bodies. Make sure that they go to the doctor. I thought I was a very healthy person until a physical for my health insurance found otherwise.”
The event was especially meaningful to freshman Melina Canter, who had many family members there to witness her haircut. Melina’s grandmother, Kathy Canter, is a two-time cancer survivor. Melina remembers the sadness that accompanied the hair loss associated with her grandmother’s chemotherapy.
“I thought it would be a great experience for us to reach out to other women going through similar struggles as [my grandmother] did. I am so excited about the eager participation from many Saint Ursula Academy students and staff. It is really amazing that I got to take part in this event and donate my hair to give women the confidence to fight cancer,” said Melina.
Melina’s family was there to watch as hairstylist Dawn Richards from Town and Country Salon handed the scissors to Kathy and asked if she would like to make the first cut. Kathy’s husband, Ken, along with Melina’s mom Lisa Zibulka Canter ’88, and Melina’s sister Madalyn ’18 were happy to witness Melina’s unselfish gift in honor of her grandmother.
Melina’s story is only one of the many stories told during the event. Stylists giving back to the community, young ladies eager to help those in need, others honoring a friend or family member, and still others who reflected on how fortunate they are to be able to attend school with such an encouraging and supportive community.
The young ladies who participated in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths event may be sporting a shorter hairstyle this week, but it is evident that their hearts continue to grow for those in need.
St. Ursula Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for academic excellence and rich tradition. St. Ursula welcomes students from more than 70 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. In 2002 the Academy was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula Academy and Convent since 1910. The Class of 2015 earned college scholarships totaling more than $19-million.
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Photo Caption: Two-time cancer survivor Kathy Canter made the first cut of her granddaughter’s hair during the Pantene Beautiful Lengths event at Saint Ursula Academy. In photo front row (l-r): Dawn Richards of Town and Country Salon and Melina Canter Back row: Lisa Canter, Ken Canter, Kathy Canter, and Madalyn Canter