Looking forward to post shave days

Andrew W's last day before the final event.

It is strange how the oddest quirks and turns in life bring people closer together. My last day at school before the big "S" was an affirming experience. So many wonderful mums telling me what their children had told them about me having my head shaved. I shall walk into school on Monday bald and know that my children will not be scared and will understand why I am like I am. If any of these children should ever come to know a child who has cancer, they will do the right thing. I can be sure of that.

A kids view on how to maintain femininity

Earlier this week my son's teacher gave her 6 and 7 year olds a brief presentation on the CCF and Shear Inspiration. She told them about what we are trying to do, and how I, as Christopher's Mummy, was one of 20 women shaving their hair off. One little boy put up his hand and asked "How are we going to know she's a girl?" Christopher replied "I think she's going to wear earrings".

Shavee Rebecca is the proud mother of Christopher.

Doing what I can for the children

Jayne tell us why she is involved...

I have a weakness for children and had been religiously browsing through the CCF site. I chanced upon Shear Inspiration and I thought it was a good opportunity to show my support for children with cancer.

To me, they didn’t choose to be born or diagnosed with cancer. The least I can do is just this gesture and hopefully get donations flowing in. I believe their parents do not have an easy time at all, having to take care of them and to manage other things in life.

I cannot imagine the pain these children have to go through, in terms of medications and chemo therapies. They certainly do not have the luxury that other children enjoy.

Each time I think about me going to shave my head, I will think again, whatever I am going to lose is only superficial. Whatever the children are going through, that is really deep inside them.

I empathise with them, and want them to get better and happier.

I know I made the right decision, I was brave enough, to say yes to Shear Inspiration. I know I’m supported by people around me. I am proud to be in this meaningful project, and am very happy to be involved.

Awareness

Rebecca tells us...

I met up with a friend, one that I see quite frequently, although we're not really good friends. We started discussing the Shear Inspiration campaign and she confided in me about her own struggle with cancer. This was something that I had no idea about. I felt really proud and honoured that she felt comfortable enough to share her illness with me. I really feel that the awareness that this campaign is bringing about is allowing people to come forward with their fight. This lets us as friends help them in their battle, by supporting them in every way we can.

Connectedness

Suzanne also shares Fiona’s experience…

I know what Fiona means. As I've told people about this event, I've heard how cancer has touched the lives of so many families. People have shared stories they probably wouldn't have otherwise and it's both very humbling and affirming.

I worried at first that people dealing with cancer might think what I was doing somehow frivolous; after all we don’t have to deal with the sickness and pain. But everyone who has a family member affected has expressed support. We have opened ourselves up to hearing not only the sadness that people face, but also the strength people show. We've discovered the connectedness that comes from sharing other people's real experiences, not just the usual pleasantries we exchange with people who are sort of peripheral to our lives.

Touched

Monica shares with us...

I have actually been having sleepless nights as it gets closer to the shaving, but after reading what other shavees and supporters have shared, I am truly humbled. I must say, that last input by Betty "shifted" me and I just had to sit back and take a moment to clear the choke in my throat.

Andrea adds...

Wonderful ladies, I'm sitting here crying –there’s no way I could clear THAT choke. Mixed emotions just want to be expressed I guess... I'm proud, scared, overwhelmed, excited, sad and absolutely joyful about this experience. And I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing group. Laughing with teary eyes makes me see rainbows.

We should ask the Bobbie Brown artists to use water proof makeup.

Thank You

A message of thanks from Sophie, mother of Petra who featured in one of our first blog entries. Petra has been undergoing treatment for her cancer.

I am so proud of you all. I am humbled that so many of you can take up this enormous challenge, and it is enormous, and smile your way through it.

Thank you for helping us and so many other families like us. Petra has been on a high since being on the front cover of The Finder, and of course has told all her family and friends. She LOVES all the Shear Inspiration leaflets and posters, and has had so much great positive attention - not the "ohhh look at that bald girl attention", but "look at that girl Mummy, she was on TV, she was in The Finder. She has cancer but she looks ok. Hello how are you..." attention. I can't begin to tell you the difference that makes to me, let alone my gorgeous girl, but the smiles and laughter tell you.