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
Toby’s Beard Shave for Cancer Research Posted on January 20, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit “My name is Toby and I’m 29. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in October 2014. Prior to my diagnosis, I was a very active and healthy person – I enjoyed running and hitting the gym, I never smoked and drank only on occasion. There was also no history of rectal cancer in my family – so the diagnosis came as quite a shock. Since then I have received multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as some major operations so doctors could remove the cancer, create a temporary ileostomy, and then reverse it. I’m currently recovering from the reversal surgery and getting used to my new “plumbing.” I will still need to go to follow-up appointments every three months or so but fortunately I was given the all clear late last year. A couple of months before I was diagnosed I started growing a beard. Once everybody got over the initial shock of my diagnosis, questions began turning to my beard and when I was going to shave it. My beard had become a comfort for me through all of this, so if I was going to shave – it had to be for a good reason! I started thinking about the idea of shaving it off for charity and because I received so much support, I felt that I should do something to give back. Cancer is too common and this has become even more obvious since I was diagnosed. Almost everyone I meet has a story of someone close to them who has been affected by cancer. I feel like I am one of the lucky ones and I wanted something good to come from my experience. On Australia day, I’ll be holding a celebration and shaving ceremony at our local bowls club. I’ll be putting on a big barbeque to say thank you to all my friends and family who supported me and donated to my cause. I’ll also be raffling off some great prizes from generous local businesses, as well as the honour of who will get to make the first cut of the shave! I really hope that someday, no one will have to go through what I and so many others have been through. Finding a cure or a gentler form of treatment is the ultimate goal and that is why I decided to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Every little bit helps to bring us closer to finding a cure or developing better treatments that will make it easier on those diagnosed, and their family.” – ACRF Supporter, Toby Stodart. To support Toby’s Beard Shave for Cancer, 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
