What will you do for a cancer survivor?

For the past 10 years people from all walks of life have been getting involved in showing solidarity and support for cancer survivors by shaving, spraying or donating their ponytails for the annual Cansa Shavathon.

Each year men, women, children, cancer survivors and people whose lives have been touched personally by cancer, rally the troops and take part in the Cansa Shavathon, each with their own reason for getting involved.

Now in its 11th year the Cansa Shavathon looks to be its biggest yet. Corporates, schools and organisations will have the opportunity to host their own Shavathon between 24 and 28 February. Cansa Shavathon events will be held at Key West Shopping Centre, Cradlestone Mall, Silverstar Casino and President Square on Saturday 1 March, where the cost to shave, spray or donate a ponytail is R50 for adults, and R25 for children under 12. Silverstar Casino challenges all corporates to become involved in this worthy cause by also hosting a Shavathon.

Why shave or spray as a means of support for the Cansa Shavathon? When undergoing cancer therapy, a common side effect is hair loss. By shaving or spraying hair, it’s a sign of solidarity – showing support and visual empathy for a cancer survivor. In addition to the options of shaving or spraying their hair, people also have the opportunity to purchase a Cansa Wrap for their hair (at a cost of R50 per wrap) and to also donate their ponytail at Cansa Shavathon’s across the country.

Ponytail donations received by Cansa are handmade into wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair as a result of their cancer treatment. Great pride is taken in making the wigs to ensure the wig is as natural-looking as possible. Wigs are available at all Cansa Care Centres and provided at no cost to the public. To donate a ponytail, hair must be at least 22cm in length, and must be clean and dry.

With the ‘spray’ option at Cansa Shavathon’s across the country, people also will have the option to have cool designs sprayed onto their hair. The spray used is made from vegetable dye and is safe to use. It lasts only a day and washes out easily.

The more people get involved with the Cansa Shavathon at a workplace or shopping centre near them, the more money will be raised for the cause.

“All money raised at Shavathons around the country goes towards funding the care and support programmes that Cansa offers, mainly rendered at our Care Centres. People don’t realise just how valuable their donation at each Shavathon is – it mainly helps to support cancer patients who need it the most,” says Cansa’s CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.

The main focus of Cansa’s Care Centres and Care Clinics is to provide comprehensive care to cancer survivors, caregivers and their loved ones across the country, including individual counselling and support groups, specialist care of wounds and complications as well as the provision of medical equipment. All Cansa’s care programmes are structured to provide much-needed, practical solutions to common problems people face when diagnosed. Cansa Care Homes accommodate patients from out-of-town who are undergoing treatment and receive free transportation to and from the treatment centres as well as nutritious meals.

Cansa also provides wigs, medical supplies and devices to ensure that patients have what they need to cope better with their diagnosis physically. Cansa’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Lodges provides accommodation for the parents and guardians of children undergoing treatment as well as meals and support.

A full list of participating shopping centres can be found at https://www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre/.

Any company, school, individual or organisation that is keen to get involved and host their own Shavathon between 24 and 28 February will find step by step instructions on https://www.shavathon.org.za/your-own-event-step-1/.