CANSA Shave-a-thon set to be a cracker
CANSA has helped many patients with its selfless efforts towards finding cures, raising funds, counselling and spreading awareness about the disease.
A new year almost always promises new beginnings and change. For many cancer patients, every new year is a milestone, a feather in their cap.
Fighting against cancer is one of the most difficult things the human body can experience; the shock of diagnosis, surgeries to have tumours removed and the dreaded chemo treatments. Many loved ones lose the fight, but there are those who fight, and fight hard.
CANSA has helped many patients with its selfless efforts towards finding cures, raising funds, counselling and spreading awareness about the disease.
“About one in every 30 patients who are diagnosed with cancer could have prevented the disease by simply making a change in their lifestyle,” said Estella Naicker, CANSA community mobiliser.
The annual CANSA Shavathon is one of the biggest events on the calendar, and it provides the public with an opportunity to show solidarity, and send a message of hope to cancer patients.
“Whether you shave it all off, gel it, spray it or wrap it, you will be sending a message of hope to cancer patients, and saying that they are not alone in their fight,” said Ms Naicker.
This year, the CANSA Shavathon is set to be a cracker. On February 28, a Shavathon will be held at Pick n Pay in Hutten Heights and in Pioneer Park. Starting at 2.30pm and finishing at 7.30pm, residents will be shaves, sprayed, wrapped and gelled by the Niq Metal Squash Leaugue. These volunteers, led by Clint Flaxman, have taken over the organisation of these Shavathons.
“We feel that it is important to get involved in the community,” said Mr Flaxman. “I could not think of a better way to make a difference in people’s lives than CANSA.”
March 1 there will be a Shavathon at the Newcastle Mall. Starting at 9am to 4pm, residents will have the opportunity to meet Heinz Winckler, who will be at the event to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and show his support for cancer patients. He will interact with shoppers and will also give a short talk on why he decided to support the CANSA organization.
There will be a booth in every court of the mall, with the shaving booth outside. Well known CANSA volunteer, Michelle Apperley, along with Mohammad Seedat and Marx Bach have challenged other companies to donate at a Shavathon. All three prominent residents have agreed to shave off their hair in aid of raising funds for CANSA.
There will also be a CANSA stall at the Amajuba Wildsfees, where those attending the festival can show their support, as well as enjoy a live performance by Heinz Winckler. There will also be a Shavathon on March 2 at Majuba Mall.
Newcastle’s first citizen, Afzul Rehman, also showed his support, by having his hair sprayed at his home on Tuesday. His wife, Farhana, did the honours with the spray can, giving the mayor a funky new look.
“We have always been a firm supporter of CANSA. Both myself and my wife have lost loved ones to the disease. Organisations like CANSA are able to assist patients, making sure that they are not alone,” said Cllr Rehman. “Cancer is a silent killer, and we need to be more aware of how we can prevent it.”
The Rehmans will be attending each Shavathon event at both Pick n Pays as well as the mall, where residents will have the opportunity to meet them. They have pledged R1 000 to support CANSA, and are an example to other residents.
Ms Naicker expressed her sincere gratitude to the organisers of the Amajuba Wildsfees, to Heinz Winckler and also to the mayoral couple. Last but not least, she wished to thank all the volunteers who selflessly offered their time in aid of cancer.
So come on, shave it, spray it, gel it or wrap it. Show your support for CANSA.
