Students, parents and faculty from the Calgary French & International School (CFIS) are fundraising for the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta’s Camp Kindle in honour of a former student. Dubbed the “Big Brave” fundraiser, members of the school community have come together to raise more than $75,000 — a number that continues to increase. Big Brave is held in memory of Ella, a Grade 3 CFIS student who battled cancer before her death in January.
Ella’s teacher, Michelle Cross, had agreed to shave her head in support of the initiative, which the school began in September. “Ella’s mom had said she was going to do it with me, and Ella was upset and said she didn’t want mom to shave her head,” said Cross. “Ella didn’t have any hair left, and she wanted to (be able to) brush someone’s hair.
“Ella had promised me that she would hold my hand on stage,” said Cross. “Unfortunately, in January, a new tumour had grown in Ella’s stomach — and after that diagnosis, she passed away five days later.” Cross and many others shaved their heads on Monday during an event at the school, and the final donation cheque will be presented Wednesday.
Having been diagnosed in May 2023 with kidney cancer, Ella was unable to start the school year with her classmates. “We always had a space for her — she (came) in for two visits in the fall.” During one of Ella’s visits, Cross recalled Ella wore a hat over her shaved head.
“One of the kids asked her if she wo.
