A South African man took to Facebook to explain why the Cancer Shavathon matters so damn much and we believe it’s something you should all read.
CANSA’s annual Shavathon has become the darling of South Africa’s fundraising events in support of a worthy cause, showing solidarity with those affected by cancer. Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy – so shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer Survivors.
Colouring your hair or paying a Bail Out Fee have become options for those who prefer not to shave, or who can’t shave on the day.
In order to fund their unique, integrated service and Holistic Care & Support to those affected by cancer, CANSA relies on the goodwill of individuals, government and corporate partners to support projects such as CANSA Shavathon.
This year, the Shavathon was staged for the 15th consecutive time in shopping centres around the country on 24 & 25 February.
As the day approached, Michael Marshall took to social media to express why the day matters so much.
“As the Cancer Shavathon 2018 approaches, I stand by helpless at my wife’s bedside as she lies in the terminal stage of her life at Hospice fighting for that very life.
4 years ago diagnosed with a Grade 4 GBM brain tumuor she has lived long past the original prognosis of 18 months.
For 4 years I’ve watched how cancer has eradicated her body. 4 years of medications, treatments, procedures, countless doctor and hospital visits, her quality of life ransacked by this awful disease.
Over the years friends and family have become few and far between and is once again evident as she lies frightened in her bed, her hand searching for someone to hold it.
For the past few years cancer has been very demanding on us as a family, living daily on the edge not knowing when it would take her life. It has bankrupted us, stolen the ability for us to lead a normal life, my two children although grown seeing their mother, their hero reduced to nappies, being fed with a syringe, not aware of their presence at her bedside.
So to all those taking part in the Shavathon, either shaving or colouring your hair, thank you for caring and making a difference in someones life that is fighting cancer.”
If you were not able to make it this weekend, but still want to help the association with funding, click here.
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