23 July 2011

Shave, spray and help save lives

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team
Do you know somebody who has been touched by cancer? Would you like your workplace, school, place of worship or organisation to join in the fight against cancer by supporting the work of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)? CANSA is encouraging all South Africans to host a CANSA Shavathon event on Friday, 5 March 2010 or take part at their nearest shopping centre on Saturday 6th March 2010.
“5 & 6 March 2010 are the days to celebrate shaven heads or colour-sprayed hair in our seventh annual CANSA Shavathon fundraising event happening in over 300 workplaces and 150 shopping centres across South Africa. By shaving or colour-spraying for the event, we show support and celebrate life with cancer survivors and we remember our loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer, “ says Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA’s CEO and a cancer survivor of over 25 years.

South Africans from all over the country, family and friends, workplace staff, visitors, clients and suppliers can shave or spray in a multitude of colours and show solidarity with a cancer survivor on 5 & 6 March for a R50 donation, children under 12 pay R25. Pledges can also be collected from family and friends to help raise funds for CANSA’s wide-reaching service including prevention and education programmes, patient care and support in the form of 12 Interim Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients, support centres that offer stoma and lymphoedema clinics, medical equipment hire, toll-free line and support to children and their families affected by cancer.

Friday, the 5th of March, is devoted to in-house events, while the Saturday is used to stage public events at shopping centres in all nine provinces. CANSA Shavathon is also a wonderful team-building and nation-building opportunity - all for a great cause.

With the generous support of all South Africans, CANSA Shavathon 2009 set a benchmark that’s going to be tough to beat - the response to Shavathon 2009 was incredible with over 200 workplaces and 137 shopping centres hosting events, while thousands flocked to the spray cans to participate in this fun event. This event (managed by CANSA staff and volunteers) raised the most income to date since its inception, over R6 million of which 75% was directly provided to CANSA regions towards fighting cancer.

Planning for Shavathon 2010 is well underway, and participants are in for some exciting new surprises. It promises to be the most exciting Shavathon ever. Visit CANSA Shavathon on Facebook for updates.

Please go to www.shavathon.org.za to register your workplace event and order your consumables by 26 February 2010. You can also support CANSA Shavathon on Saturday, 6 March 2010, at a shopping centre near you. For more information, please contact Margie Laubscher at 011 616 7662 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Help us fight cancer the Shavathon way!

CANSA Shavathon Partners
First National Bank Volunteer Group, SABC 2 – CSI media partner, Wahl Clipper, Dawn Wing couriers, Newsclip Media Monitoring and Limegreen Online Design.

About Lillian Dube
Lillian Dube is an award-winning actress and comedian who has starred in a number of television and film productions. She is especially well-known for her role as Sister Bettina in Soul City. Lillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007 and went public soon thereafter to help spread awareness about cancer and to spread a message of hope

About Mark Pilgrim
Mark Pilgrim is well-known for his accomplishments as a radio and television personality. He is also a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the young age of 18. This spread to his lungs and kidneys. He is a dedicated supporter of CANSA, in particular to help spread the message of early detection of men’s cancers.

About CANSA and CANSA Shavathon
• This is the 7th national CANSA Shavathon, independently managed by CANSA staff and volunteers for the second year. Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of chemotherapy - one form of treatment – so that is why shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors. Colouring your hair has become an option for those who prefer not to shave. CANSA Shavathon is being held in over 300 workplaces and organisations on 5th March, and in 150 shopping centres on 6th March 2010.

• CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research, the scientific findings and knowledge gained from our research are used to realign our health programmes as well as focus our watchdog initiatives to the greater benefit of the public.

• CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 51 offices as well as 12 interim homes in the main cities for out-of-town cancer patients accessing treatment. CANSA runs a toll-free information service during office hours 0800 22 66 22. CANSA gives out free Cancer Coping kits in English, seSotho, isiZulu and Afrikaans. CANSA needs volunteers to assist in delivering their service in all communities as the incidence of cancer is rising and more South Africans are needed to get actively involved in the fight against cancer.

• CANSA is one of the largest contributors to cancer research in South Africa with over R4,5 million going to cancer research each year, with funds donated and earmarked for cancer research.

Read more http://www.mediaweb.co.za/journalist/mnews_j_.asp?id=3824

Published in Health and Medicine