Elsburg resident cuts her hair in support of CANSA
In August her cousin was diagnosed with leukemia.
For the third time, Elsburg resident Taylor Matthyser cut her hair in support of Cansa.
This time she allowed 42cm of her locks to be shed.
Given that October is breast cancer awareness month, this young woman asks the community to assist Cansa in creating more awareness about the disease.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and lost her hair during the cancer treatments,” said Matthyser.
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This was the first time she cut her hair.
She said to have chopped off 42cm, surpassing the minimum length requirement of 26cm, was achieving a personal best.
Her motivation to assist Cansa for a third time stems from personal experience. Her cousin was diagnosed with leukaemia in August.
“We held a fundraiser and recruited a local TikTok sensation to help us fundraise for my cousin. With the help of the donations, we could pay his medical expenses,” said Matthyser.
“I have also been part of the Cansa Shavathon, fun runs/walks and other fundraising events. You can fight cancer, the risk lies in not getting treatment when it is still early.”
Matthyser has communicated with cancer survivors and used TikTok to spread awareness on social media.
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“One guy told me I inspired him during my TikTok video. He also mentioned that he survived cancer, but his treatment was so intense that it left him with psychological scars,” Matthyser added.
“I hope to see more children-focused programmes. More money needs to be raised to help pay for children’s treatment and medical costs.”
Matthyser is a former netball player and her diet consists of vegetables.
Her dad, Steven, expressed his pride at his daughter’s commitment to helping Cansa and cancer patients.
“She had long hair before she chopped it short for the first time. We immediately supported her in this cause. Her teacher trimmed her hair for the first time.
“She manages a Facebook page called Taylor Cut 4 Cansa, where she shares updates.
“The next action is to purchase her a bike so she may become a member of a biker club and continue raising awareness of cancer. Her goal is to encourage young girls to cut their hair for Cansa,” said Steven.
