L-R: Savannah, Faye and Shyanne.
Shyanne Tanner and Savannah Williams have long been admired for their beautiful, lush hair, but in just a few short weeks, they’ll be completely shaving-off their lovely locks in support of this year’s BMO Ride for Cancer.
The sisters lost their 55-year-old father, Larry Mossman, to cancer in 2012 and are still reeling from their mother’s sudden cancer diagnosis in January of this year. Shyanne participated in her first BMO Ride in 2019 as part of a friend’s team and the following year, created a team of her own in memory of her dad called The Saltwater Cowboys. The team has undergone a slight name change this year to Faye’s Fighters – The Saltwater Cowboys in honor of their mother and her ongoing cancer treatment journey.
Although the team fundraising goal is $20,000, once Shyanne and Savannah collectively reach $10,000, they’ll shave their heads. This will be Savannah’s sixth time riding, but this year will be extra special in that her employer, Bridgewater Honda Steele Auto, is going to match the $10,000 she and her sister raise together.
“And my general manager is going to wear a wig for a week,’’ Savannah emotionally shares.
Since being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, Faye has undergone chemotherapy to shrink the tumour prior to having major surgery at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and is currently winding-up an additional four cycles of chemotherapy.
“It’s hard on the head and everything changes so quickly,’’ Faye says regarding her unexpected diagnosis. “One minute you’re living a normal life and going to work and the next minute everything is upside down.’’
Faye has participated in BMO Ride for Cancer since 2020 and as much as she would love to take part in this year’s event, she says she just doesn’t have the energy to do so. However, she has been helping fundraise for the team as a virtual rider and plans to be there in person on BMO Ride day to support her daughters and other team members including Christine Clark, Ross MacNeil, Tara Green, and 12-year-old Hunter Fleet. The group of riders are doing different distances based on their age and ability, ranging from 25 to 50 km.
According to Shyanne, fundraising efforts began almost immediately after the finish of last year’s BMO Ride. So far, the team has collectively raised over $16,000 of their $20,000 fundraising goal, while Shyanne and Savannah have raised over $6,000 towards their $10,000 goal. They’ve fundraised in a variety of ways including individual donations, a paint night, and an online auction. Hunter and Christine have also been making and selling hair scrunchies, key chains, and dog bandanas.
Faye is deeply touched about the fact that her daughters plan to shave their heads. She has lost all of her hair as a result of chemotherapy, so knows firsthand what it’s like to experience baldness, even if it’s only temporary.
“With my daughters shaving their heads, I am truly moved by this selfless act of caring and compassion,” says Faye. “It means so much to me – it’s such a special and inspiring thing.’’
Savannah, who was just a teenager when her father faced cancer, was heartbroken when her mother received the same diagnosis.
“It was just so sudden. I thought, ‘oh no, not again’,’’ she reflects.
She says shaving her head is her way of supporting her mom and to help make a difference for other families touched by cancer and Atlantic Canada’s largest and most specialized cancer treatment hospital.
“We’re going to wear our bald heads with pride,’’ she vows.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Shyanne.
“Savannah and I have always received compliments about our long, thick hair and we just thought it would make a really big impact if we shaved our heads to raise money for such an extraordinary cause,’’ Shyanne explains. “I feel like I’m contributing to our community with the ride because I know exactly where the money is going – to the cancer hospital that so many of our loved ones rely on.’’
BMO Ride day will undoubtedly be a powerful experience for Faye and her daughters as they once again join forces with hundreds of other riders, supporters, volunteers, and staff of the QEII Foundation — all united for the same reason: to support and advance cancer care at the QEII.
“It’s going to be incredibly emotional to watch the girls, especially from the sidelines this year,’’ says Faye, who is deeply grateful to all the donors who continue to rally behind their team year after year.
“So much has changed for our family in a year,” says Faye. “All the kindness and support means a lot to me and to us.”
Now is the time to make your impact. On Thursday, September 18, all donations to BMO Ride for Cancer, whether to Faye’s Fighters – The Saltwater Cowboys or another team or rider, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The Christina and Hedley G. Ivany Charitable Foundation, up to $250,000. Today only, your gift will go twice as far in helping to transform cancer care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families here at home.
L-R: Savannah, Faye and Shyanne pictured at the 2024 BMO Ride for Cancer.
