Growing Zappa for cancer

From smooth-faced one day to Frank Zappa the next, Bertus Viljoen bore the Movember message on his face for a full month.

Although the short-term financial planner took some time in getting used to facial hair, he decided to ‘stick it out’ in respect of the plight of cancer patients the world over.

“I wanted to shave it a few times; I told myself that living with a moustache is nothing compared to what cancer patients have to deal with. Even though the two can’t be remotely compared, the important thing was to keep motivated.”

Mr Viljoen said the Movember project was a great initiative in uniting people in the fight against cancer.

Early on, he realised the project was a great way to support people suffering from cancer, by perhaps giving them strength to fight on and conquer the dread disease.

Considering the increase in cases, this is all the more important.

Asked if he thought male health concerns were given enough emphasis, Mr Viljoen replied no, stating men needed to understand the reality of these health concerns.

“If detected early enough, huge inroads can be made towards recovery. We should make a point of going for regular check-ups.”

This is part and parcel of why he broadcast the Movember message to others in his circles.

Dealing with different people on a daily basis, Mr Viljoen said arriving for work with a moustache stirred up curiosity, and committed himself to supporting Movember next year.

“So as far and as much as possible, the support for the initiative was echoed, hopefully igniting the desire and need to support Movember in future.”

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Asked for a message of encouragement for those battling cancer, Mr Viljoen urged patients to take every day as it came; to keep fighting, stay strong and fighting. “You are not alone in this, keep faith.”

He rounded off with a quote from GK Chesterton, in which he said “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”