Shavathon comes to Northmead to share cancer awareness

Cancer Assosiation of South Africa (Cansa) hosted its annual Shavathon Cancer Awareness Day at the Benoni Northmead Square on February 29 to show support to cancer patients.

The event also raised funds to be directly donated to Canca’s care and support services for the benefit of cancer patients, their loved ones and caregivers.

Benoni residents participated in the awareness event by donating funds, shaving and spraying of hair to show support to cancer patients. The event is an awareness program that takes place in shopping centres around the country, and has grown into an annual event that serves the interests of cancer survivors.

Rozelda Tiearney, who works for Mamba Securities, which supports Cansa’s initiative, said the long hair that gets harvested and donated was used to be converted into wigs for the use of cancer patients who suffer hair loss.

ALSO READ:

Shave, spray and give hope at Shavathon this year

“Today is the annual Shavathon day and we think of cancer victims, those who are alive and those who have passed away, and we donate in any way that we can to make sure that we can help them to recover,” said Tiearney.

People need to get to know their communities and organisations that are around them to offer help because while you are still healthy, you tend to think you will not be sick; only when you are affected, or someone else close to you is, that people start reacting towards helping others.

“People should rather help others now while they still have the chance to,” she added.

The event saw people making donation from R50, or any amount they could afford.

A St. Dunstan’s College student, Mathew Helps (17), was one of the participants who sprayed his hair in support of cancer victims. He said he felt that more people should be taught more about cancer, and that the condition can affect anyone from anywhere in the world.

This awareness program is for a good cause; it is an emotional time when a relative is diagnosed with cancer, so they deserve emotional support as well, not just clothes, money or wigs.

ALSO READ:

[WATCH] Shavathon supporters show up in their numbers at Northmead Square

“Family members are going through a rough time during this period. It is not only the victims, but the family as well that is affected, and they may be having a limited time with their loved ones. The family is the most important aspect of life, and it a hard time to go through this period, so there should be support for cancer patients, in any form possible,” said Helps.

Archell Nkomo, who is part of the Shavathon spraying team, said local communities and townships people have little knowledge about cancer. She believes there has to be more awareness programs in schools, churches, community halls and other local venues to provide more information on cancer, and how communities can be made aware of the condition, and to also participate to help cancer sufferers and their families in need of resources.