Each year, men, women, children, cancer survivors and people whose lives have been personally touched by cancer, rally the troops and join in on the CANSA Shavathon, each with their own reason for getting involved. Corporates, schools and organisations will have the opportunity to host their own Shavathon between 24 and 28 February, and CANSA Shavathon events will happen at shopping centres across the country on Saturday, 1 March, where the cost to shave, spray, or donate a ponytail is R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12 years old.
When undergoing cancer treatment, a common side effect is hair loss. By shaving or spraying hair, it's almost a sign of solidarity - showing support and visual empathy for a cancer survivor. In addition to the options of shaving or spraying their hair, people also have the opportunity to purchase a wrap for their hair and to also donate their ponytail at CANSA Shavathon's across the country.
Ponytail donations received by CANSA are handmade into wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair as a result of their cancer treatment. Great pride is taken in making the wigs, and for special requests, cancer patients are asked for photos of what their original hair looked like to ensure the wig is as close to their natural look as possible. Wigs are available at all CANSA Care Centres and provided at no cost to the public. To donate a ponytail, hair must be at least 22cm in length, and must be clean and dry.
"All money raised at CANSA Shavathon's around the country goes towards funding the care and support programme that CANSA offers, mainly rendered at CANSA Care Centres. People don't realise just how valuable a contribution their donation made at each CANSA Shavathon is - it mainly helps to support cancer patients who need it the most," says CANSA's CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.
The main focus of CANSA's Care Centres and Care Clinics is to provide comprehensive care to cancer survivors, caregivers and their loved ones across the country which includes individual counselling and support groups and programme, specialist care of wounds and complications as well as the provision of medical equipment.
CANSA Care Homes accommodate patients from out-of-town who are undergoing treatment and receive free transportation to and from the treatment centres as well as nutritious meals. CANSA also provides wigs, medical supplies and devices to ensure that patients have what they need to physically cope better with their diagnosis. CANSA's Tough Living with Cancer Lodges provides accommodation for the parents of children undergoing treatment as well as meals and support. "The money raised from the CANSA Shavathon goes towards running these facilities," says Janse van Rensburg.
A full list of participating shopping centres can be found at http://www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre/. Any company, school, individual or organisation that is keen to get involved and host their own Shavathon between 24 and 28 February 2014, will find step by step instructions at http://www.shavathon.org.za/your-own-event-step-1/.
