Eight years ago, Miranda Waugh was a medical student completing dermatology rotations in Sudbury, Ontario.

​

During her time in the clinic, she kept noticing a distinct pattern. Patients were coming in with concerns about spots or lesions hidden in their scalps or around their hairlines. Time and time again, those concerns proved to be incredibly valid, revealing spots that were highly suspicious for skin cancer.

​

It got her thinking: Who spends more time looking at scalps than anyone else?

​

The answer was hairstylists and barbers.

​

In underserved communities like Sudbury, where access to dermatologists is limited, Miranda realized these professionals could serve as an untapped frontline defence against skin cancer. They were already seeing areas of the body that patients couldn't easily examine themselves, they just needed the right tools to have those conversations with clients.

​

"I think it's really important to have as many people on board looking out and knowing the warning signs for skin cancer."

​

She envisioned an educational initiative called Styling Hair & Saving Lives (STY-LIVES): a campaign designed to teach hairstylists and barbers how to recognize the warning signs of skin cancer on the scalp, face, ears, and neck. From the beginning, her goal was simple: improve early detection and help make Canadians healthier. It was an idea rooted in her passion for dermatology and a field she knew she wanted to dedicate her career to.

​

But as a medical student, bringing a national initiative to life was no small feat.

​

To get the ball rolling, she sent a cold email to Save Your Skin Foundation.

​

The response she received changed everything.

​

Save Your Skin Foundation didn't just reply, they embraced her vision. They provided the guidance, structure, and support needed to transform STY-LIVES from an idea into a national initiative.

"This couldn't have been made whatsoever without their help and assistance. They were extremely welcoming and so open to the idea of starting this campaign."

​

With the Foundation's support, STY-LIVES has gained national media attention and has since been incorporated into hairstyling school curriculums across Canada. The impact has been profound. The program has helped identify skin cancers, directly changing patient outcomes through earlier detection. More than just a training program, STY-LIVES empowers hairstylists and barbers with life-saving knowledge they will carry with them throughout their careers.

​

The initiative didn't just provide education to hairstylists—it also helped shape Miranda's own career. She went on to complete her dermatology residency in Ottawa, and this year officially began practicing as a dermatologist in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she continues to provide dedicated care to patients.

​

Looking back, Dr. Waugh sees Save Your Skin Foundation as much more than an organization—it was a catalyst that helped turn an idea into reality. By connecting passionate individuals with a national network of advocates, healthcare professionals, organizations, and educational institutions, the Foundation empowers people to create meaningful change.

​

"They took a chance on me, and to this day, I'm forever grateful. I will continue to be appreciative of them and support this organization in my career as a dermatologist in Canada."

​

Her story is a reminder that one observation, one idea, and one opportunity can create lasting change—and that when passionate people are supported, communities across Canada benefit.