CANSA Shavathon. You might notice a few extra hairless heads among the staff at St George’s Preparatory School managed by Curro. Three teachers volunteered to shed their locks in support of one of the country’s best-loved events – the annual CANSA Shavathon.
Head of Preparatory, Elaine Clark together with Head of Junior Preparatory Mary Daley and Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation Michal Khuto have agreed to go bald in support of friends currently battling the deadly disease.
One out of four people in South Africa will be affected by cancer. Hair loss is a common side-effect of cancer therapy. Elaine has previously shaved her head in support of the Sunflower Foundation. She has also created a fundraising page on Facebook for learners, parents, and Gqeberha residents to also donate. “Everyone has been affected by cancer, whether they have had it themselves or know someone who has. This disease is a very real part of all our lives,” she said.
Funds raised will go to the Veronica Minnie Cancer Support Trust. They provide care, counselling, and practical support to disadvantaged cancer patients in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and surrounding areas.
Despite being their first time, neither Mary nor Michael has any regrets about losing their hair. All three teachers agree that going bald is a small but symbolic way of showing their solidarity with those affected by cancer.
