Shaven heads that tell a story

HAVING never gone bald before, Tan Hui Nee, 27, confesses to loving her tresses but is willing to shave her head to stand with cancer fighters.

The medical welfare executive explained that she signed up for the cause as it would give her the chance to speak up for cancer patients.

“There was this lady, in her 40s, with stage-four cancer but if you met her, you would not be able to tell she was ill.

“Her family raised funds for her treatment and she wanted to get better so that she could return to work and repay them,” said Tan, adding that it made her sad to know that the woman was ailing and yet still had so much hope.

“I have met many people like her because of my job,” said Tan, who works at Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH).

“We usually care about our appearance and what people think of us, so I wanted to challenge myself and see how I would handle it.

“It will allow me to understand a little more about how cancer patients feel when their appearance changes,” she said.

Tan’s colleague Ooi Jing Hann, 23, said while she would never know the struggles of a cancer patient, shaving her head to raise funds seemed like a way for her to show support towards cancer warriors.

“We hope to encourage more people to take part so that we can reach the 100 target,” Ooi said of PAH fundraiser dubbed “100 Gutsy Bald” in conjunction with the hospital’s 100th year anniversary.

The event aims to gather 100 participants who will have their heads shaved simultaneously to raise RM200,000 for the hospital’s cancer fund that will support cancer patients in financial need.

The hospital’s chief executive officer Albin Phua said every shaved head represented hope, a symbol of unity and a reminder that no one fights alone.

“Last year, we were able to disburse a total of RM452,869 that helped 18 cancer patients.

“However, the need persists and our resources are depleting.

“We need support to keep our mission alive,” he said, adding that it currently had close to 40 participants.

Phua said PAH partnered with a hair salon and that the event would be held at Gurney Plaza in George Town on April 21 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Those interested in supporting the cause can choose to shave their heads or make a direct donation to the hospital’s cancer fund.

Upon registering for the event, donors will be provided with a fundraiser link via which they can make their donations.

Registration is open till March 24 and carries a fee of RM60.

For details and to register, visit https://howei.com/event_details/100gutsybald or contact 04-222 7606/ 7644.