It takes an agonising decision, followed by unwavering commitment, for a woman to part with the long hair that has been part of her natural adornment for years.
But for Angelique Wright, Marketing and Public Relations Officer for the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, it was simply another deed she was prepared to do for the cancer cause.
A regular supporter of Cansa uThungulu’s various fund-raiser activities, Angelique puts service above self when it comes to community support and the plight of sufferers.
Last year she became a bone marrow donor; this year, her sacrifice was to shed most of her gorgeous locks for a three-fold purpose.
One was to promote the CANSA Shavathon that will be hosted at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre on Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March.
A second was to identify with those cancer patients who lose their hair during chemo treatment.
But the big motivation was that the long portion of hair, braided into a ponytail before being cut, would be used to make a wig for some bare-headed patient.
‘Of course I had serious misgivings as I do take trouble with my appearance, but personal pride must give way when there are such huge issues as cancer at stake.
‘My sacrifice is just a token, a temporary issue compared to the very real physical and emotional challenges cancer patients face daily,’ said Angelique.
She is hoping many like-minded people will arrive to cut or colour their hair during the Shavathon.
– including those willing to part with their long locks.
Adults can shave or spray their head for a donation of R50 (or more) and children under 12 years old, for R25.
Please note that CANSA Shavathon will no longer do a ‘clean shave’ due to certain risk factors. The lowest number you can shave is a number 1.
