Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - 80 years of supporting cancer survivors in SA

"We hope that Shavathon 2011 will help to unite the nation in the fight against cancer and help raise funds so that we can continue supporting cancer survivors and those affected by cancer" says CANSA's CEO and cancer survivor of 26 years, Sue Janse van Rensburg.

In response to the overwhelming support in 2010, Shavathon 2011 will have an extra corporate Shavathon day on Thursday 3 March, followed by Friday the 4th. The public can participate on Saturday the 5th at their nearest shopping mall.

A very public demonstration of solidarity and support

"Shavathon is a very public demonstration of South Africa's solidarity with cancer survivors. By shaving or colour-spraying for the event, we show support and celebrate life with cancer survivors and we remember our loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer" adds Janse van Rensburg.

South Africans from all over the country, family and friends, workplace staff, visitors, clients and suppliers can shave or spray in a multitude of colours and show solidarity with a cancer survivor from 3-5 March for a R50 donation, children under 12 pay R25. Pledges can also be collected from family and friends to help raise funds for CANSA's wide-reaching service including prevention and education programmes, patient care and support in the form of 12 Interim Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients, support centres that offer stoma and lymphoedema clinics, medical equipment hire, toll-free line and support to children and their families affected by cancer.

Thursday and Friday, (3 & 4 March) are devoted to in-house events, while the Saturday 5 March is used to stage public events at shopping centres in all nine provinces.

For those who would like to be a part of this fight against cancer but cannot attend a shave or spray event on one of these days, can make a minimum online donation of R50 by visiting the CANSA website and clicking on the bail-out fee under Shavathon. CANSA's unique and integrated service is made possible through donations and you taking part in your nearest CANSA Shavathon event in you community.

Visit CANSA Shavathon on Facebook for updates.

Go to www.shavathon.org.za to register your workplace event and order your consumables by 23 February 2011. You can also support CANSA Shavathon on Saturday, 5 March 2011 at a shopping centre near you. For more information, contact Margie Laubscher at +27 (0) 11 616 7662 or email az.gro.asnac@nohtavahs. Help us fight cancer the Shavathon way!

CANSA Shavathon partners

First National Bank Volunteer Group, SABC 2 CSI media partner, Wahl Clipper, Dawn Wing couriers, Newsclip Media Monitoring and Limegreen Online Design.

About CANSA and CANSA Shavathon

• This is the 8th national CANSA Shavathon, independently managed by CANSA staff and volunteers. Losing ones hair is a common side-effect of chemotherapy
  
• That is why shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors. Colouring your hair has become an option for those who prefer not to shave. CANSA Shavathon is being held in over 300 workplaces and organisations on 3 & 4 March, and in 200 shopping centres on 5 March 2011.
  
• CANSA's purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R4,5 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as strengthen our watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public.
  
• CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 60 offices as well as 12 interim homes in the main cities for out-of-town cancer patients accessing treatment. CANSA runs a toll-free information service during office hours +27 (0) 800 22 66 22. CANSA gives out free Cancer Coping kits in English, seSotho, isiZulu and Afrikaans. CANSA needs volunteers to assist in delivering their service in all communities as the incidence of cancer is rising and more South Africans are needed to get actively involved in the fight against cancer.

(For more information, go to www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free +27 (0) 800 22 66 22 email: az.gro.asnac@ofni).