Mrs Owen shaved off her hair in solidarity with cancer warriors as learners watched on, helping the school raise 175% of its CANSA fundraising goal!
Cape Town, South Africa (24 April 2026) – ’How much is your teacher’s hair worth?’
That’s a question the Reddam House school in Constantia posed. One that its grade 2 teacher, Mrs Owen, courageously set out to find out.
She had done it before. Mrs Owen shaved her head thirteen years ago, at another school campus, in solidarity with a colleague who had been diagnosed with cancer. This year, she felt called to do it again, standing with those fighting the disease and in loving memory of those lost.
Staff and students within the school’s community have stood beneath the shadow cast by cancer over the years. Turning that pain into power, Reddam launched a BackaBuddy to raise vital funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
They called it ‘How much is your teacher’s hair worth?’ in honour of Mrs Owen’s courage to shave off her hair for the cause.
“Our Reddam House Constantia community has felt the deep impact of cancer over the past few years, with several diagnoses and heartbreaking losses. Through this BackaBuddy campaign, we hope to turn our pain into purpose by raising awareness about the importance of regular check-ups and early detection, while also raising vital funds for CANSA to continue their life-saving research and patient support.” the campaign shared.
The date was set, and Kelly shaved her head at the end of Term 1 at the final assembly.
The entire school gathered to watch. The video gave us all the goosebumps. In less than a minute, all of it was gone. But so much was gained, too…hope, courage and unity. One simple act united a whole school. There were tears.
“Mrs Owen showed us that it can represent courage, strength, and compassion,’” the school wrote. “In a school community that has felt the loss caused by this disease, her gesture carries deep meaning and reminds our learners what it means to stand together.”
The fundraiser blew up after that. A goal of R25,000 had been set, but Mrs Owen’s courage inspired the kindness and generosity of so many supporters, they nearly doubled that original goal! A total of R43,670 was raised for CANSA.
“We are extremely grateful for all the support on the Back a Buddy campaign” the school shared. “It has been incredible to see everyone come together for this important cause, your generosity and kindness truly make a difference!”
When the school shared the news, there was an outpouring of love and respect for Mrs Owen.
“Loosing your hair when you face cancer is one of the hardest parts of the journey. When someone chooses to do this in support of what you going through is the biggest, most heart felt gift.” shared one commenter.
“Incredible and brave. Example to your students and other teachers. So powerful!!!” wrote another.
One teacher inspired an entire community and through that, a meaningful difference was made. Hats off to you Mrs Owen, you wear the look of compassion so well.
Sources: Linked above.
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