Shave to Save supports cancer research Posted on March 22, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Young Western Australian siblings, Prem and Mansi Aghera, together with their friends, Amee Bhuva and Ravi Ghodasara, raised over $6,000 for cancer research. We spoke to Prem about their amazing ‘Shave to Save’ fundraiser. “My sister, Mansi was affected by cancer some time ago, so cancer research is a cause close to home. Mansi wanted this fundraiser to be a tribute to those who aren’t as lucky as her and to help researchers bring an end cancer. We know first-hand how cancer affects patients and their families and we wanted to help prevent more families from going through what we had to. Apart from raising money, we also thought it was equally important to show solidarity with current cancer patients. We know that sometimes patients who lose their hair feel embarrassed and try to cover up. We hoped that by shaving our heads and proudly strutting around with our new looks that we could encourage people going through treatment to feel confident, with or without hair. We wanted to spread awareness of the importance of cancer research and get as many people involved as possible. By choosing to shave our head we attracted a lot of interest in our community. The ‘Shave to Save’ fundraiser was our way of showing everyone who is battling this disease that our community is standing with them – and we were overwhelmed by the support. Honestly, I don’t know why we didn’t do this sooner! We are truly humbled by the incredible support we’ve received over the past few months and we hope we’ve made a positive impact. We chose to support the ACRF because the main aim of the foundation is to eradicate cancer altogether, and that’s our ultimate aim too. While there is a long road ahead, we have seen the impact a small fundraiser can have. I believe that if people unite together we will continue to get closer to a future without cancer.” – ACRF supporter, Prem Aghera
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership winner pledges to shave his head Posted on February 10, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Riley Debney is working his way through year 11 and enjoying his hobbies – footy, basketball and photography. He also spends a great deal of time contributing to his community and helping others, which has included time volunteering in a Cambodian orphanage and now he’ll be raising funds for cancer research. Riley first contacted the Australian Cancer Research Foundation to donate his prize money to cancer research after he became an ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork award winner through his school. Riley continued to build on his fundraising ideas and he’s well on his way to reaching the impressive fundraising target he set for himself. When he achieves it, he and a friend have pledged to shave their heads. “Cancer had never really affected me until about four months ago when a relative was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That’s when I really started to think about how many other people in my community must be going through the same thing. Then a young boy from my school, Rafael, sadly lost his battle a few days before Christmas. He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was just four years old. His passing really encouraged me to bring my fundraising goals to life. Our school and community had been following Rafael’s cancer journey for the past couple of years. His parents set up a Facebook account called ‘Rafael’s Warriors’ that gave us news on his progress and helped us keep connected with Rafael when he was away receiving treatment. He truly inspired me to help out and contribute more to my community. His strength taught us all so many lessons of love, happiness and support – and that’s something I will take with me everywhere I go so that his legacy lives on.” Riley believes it’s important to support cancer research because of the benefits that it provides to those who are affected by cancer. “It’s amazing to me that each dollar does so much to help end cancer and help save lives,” he said. “I have got some great support behind me from my friends and family, as well as some sporting clubs that have come onboard to help me fundraise and some generous local businesses that have made donations. I’ve also been selling ribbons to help raise awareness about the importance of cancer research. My advice to others thinking about supporting cancer research is to just go for it – there’s nothing to lose! At first, I was nervous about starting this fundraiser as I didn’t really know where to start, but this is a cause that I really believe in and I have already gained so much support from my friends and family. Within just a few friendly emails between myself and the team at ACRF, my idea had come to life and I was on my feet. Use your resources and you’ll be surprised what you too can achieve.” To support Riley’s ACRF fundraiser click here.
No hair don’t care – brave supporters lose their locks for cancer research Posted on June 5, 2015March 14, 2018 by Carly du Toit This inspiring group of individuals won’t have to worry about hat hair under their beanies this winter. They’ve faced the scissors in honour of those who have had to face cancer and in doing so have helped shave years off of cancer research. The O’Neil family raised an incredible $10,000 and lopped off an equally impressive amount of hair at an event that honoured their mum. We all owe a big thank you to this family of legends for their most generous act of support. Joining them, Angela from Bowral in the Southern highlands made the decision to shave her hair off on her grandpa’s birthday. “My grandfather was the most amazing kind hearted man. He lost the love of his life to this disease and had to then face it on his own so this was my way of honour them both.” Meanwhile in Melbourne the ReachLocal team embarked on a race like no other. They were let loose on the town to carry out a mission that would prove themselves against their in-house rivals and raise money and awareness for cancer research. The winning team had the honour of cutting the Learning Program Manager’s gorgeous long locks and were pretty excited about it (as you can see!). Everyone came out feeling like champions in the end when they discovered that they smashed their fundraising target. Well done all! We are humbled by your efforts. If these superstars have inspired you and you want go bare under your beanie this winter find out more by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] Share your story
Brave head shaves raise funds and honour loved ones. Posted on February 25, 2015February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Over the past few months we’ve had some very brave supporters choose to lose their long locks in support and honour of loved ones. Last year, Cristelle should have been happily celebrating her 26th birthday. Instead her family were rocked by the news that Cristelle’s mother had been diagnosed with breast and lung cancer. Motivated by her mother’s strength and determination during her surgery and treatments, Cristelle grew her beautiful long hair even longer in order to cut it for charity in December. Cristelle said, “I have been inspired to grow my hair to make a wig for someone who has lost their hair, just like my Mum did. She is such a strong woman, a fighter.” On top of cutting and donating her hair, Cristelle also chose to fundraise for cancer research smashing her $2,500 target and raising a most generous $6,914! Another recent head shave took place just after one of WA’s most famous swim events: the Rottnest Channel Swim. Cabe Paparone and his three mates took on the challenging swim and, although they were met with some pretty rough conditions, managed to finish in seven hours and 41 minutes. What a fantastic effort! Cabe’s (very excited) friends and family then took to the clippers to shave off that mane he had been growing for 3 years, in honour and memory of his father who sadly passed away in September. Through a giant fundraising effort, which saw him organise fundraising events in the lead up to his swim, Cabe raised over $7,500 for cancer research! What a legend! We’d like to thank Cristelle and Cabe for such an amazing effort. We are inspired and humbled by their dedication and generosity If you are interested in fundraising for cancer research through shaving, cutting or colouring your hair please click here for more information. Share your story
Claire loses her luscious red locks for cancer research Posted on March 25, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit When your hair is almost long enough to sit on, it’s a big deal to trim an inch or two let alone shave it all off! However, Claire Purio from Fremantle did just that. She took a number 2 razer to her long red hair at the Mt Claremont Famers Market on March 22, and through this brave gesture of support for her father, who is still grieving the loss of his mother, Claire raised almost $3,500 for cancer research. Claire’s story into why she is shaving her head is incredibly touching. Continue reading “Claire loses her luscious red locks for cancer research”
Lisa loses her locks Posted on November 28, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit When a close friend started to undergo treatment for cancer, supporter Lisa Stoddart decided it was time to do something. It was Lisa’s long locks that were to be sacrificed in honour of a beautiful friend and to support cancer research. In her own words, “I’m quite attached to my hair… so I was hoping I could raise some money as a by-product of cutting it off and it could go to a charity” With just 2 weeks until her shave Lisa jumped into fundraising & the money started rolling in. As friends, family and colleagues rallied behind her – Lisa’s donation target of $2,500 was quickly surpassed. The generosity continued throughout the weeks leading up to the event showing great support of Lisa and her dear friend Amanda. Continue reading “Lisa loses her locks”
Colour & Shave for a good cause Posted on March 6, 2012April 28, 2020 by Carly du Toit A bright idea, generous donations, and a confident ACRF supporter made for a wonderfully successful recent fundraiser. Tania Kriticos chose to fundraise for cancer research through her unique head shave because of her personal connection with cancer. “Having a number of family & friends who have succumbed and are currently battling with various forms of cancer, I wanted to pick an organisation that wasn’t cancer-specific”. As an extra motivating factor to get her friends and family to donate, Tania included a hair colour auction as part of the process. When a donation was made a vote could be placed for which weird and wonderful hairstyle Tania would sport in the 2 weeks prior to her head shave – choices included bright blue, hot pink, zebra stripes and rainbow. In the end, blue won the day and along with the help of Miranda from Kurtz Hair by Design in Hawker, Tania was transformed! Much to Tania’s surprise, she received many amazing positive comments from strangers about her unique hairstyle! Continue reading “Colour & Shave for a good cause”
Chloe's head shave for cancer research Posted on September 27, 2010April 28, 2020 by Carly du Toit One of ACRF’s youngest supporters, Chloe Gemmell, recently held a unique and very special fundraiser for cancer research. Touched by the passing of her cherished pet cat from cancer, Chloe decided she wanted to shave her head in memory of her much loved pet and for all those people out there who are battling the disease. On the big day Chloe’s school friends helped out by cutting off pieces of her hair, before mum Vicky finished it off with the clippers. With support from her family and sponsorship from a great bunch of friends Chloe managed to raise a fabulous $650 for cancer research. Thanks so much for your support Chloe & Victoria – we think the new haircut looks great. Perfect for the upcoming summer! Continue reading “Chloe's head shave for cancer research”
Anneka's head shave for cancer research Posted on March 12, 2010April 28, 2020 by Carly du Toit Cancer research supporter Anneka Skirrow recently raised over $1000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) by shaving off her beautiful long-locks at a ‘wacky-hair’ day held at Eden Hills Primary School in South Australia. Anneka sadly lost her father to prostate cancer in 2006, and has friends who have previously or are currently battling the disease. “In a humble attempt to identify with one side effect of cancer treatment, I will be shaving my head to raise money for research,” wrote Anneka on her fundraising page. “I am full of admiration for my friends who have undergone treatment where hair loss was their experience,” she added. Children, staff and parents arrived to school with colourful and way out hairdo’s, and attended a special assembly for the occasion. “At the special assembly I spoke about my reason for the head shave and the first few cuts were taken before the children returned to classes”, said Anneka, “morning tea and nibbles were put on for parents to enjoy whilst the chop went ahead!” “…the support and encouragement I received from the school community was quite something”. ACRF wishes to thank Anneka and the staff, parents and children at Eden Hills Primary School for their wonderful support.
