180 go bald to raise cancer awareness
GEORGE TOWN: About 180 people had their heads shaved bald yesterday in solidarity with cancer patients and to raise awareness of the illness.
Among them was Shanice Lim, 17, who said she wanted to empathise with those suffering from cancer.
“I want to know what it is like for those who have lost their hair while undergoing treatment,” she said at the “Go Bald, Go The Distance Charity Head-Shaving & Food Carnival”.
The organisers had raised RM410,000 which will be channelled to the Dr J. Earl Gardner Fund of the Penang Adventist Hospital.
The aspiring nurse said she also wanted to dispel the myth that only “bad girls” go bald by going bald herself.
“People think that bald girls do it for fun or have been negatively influenced but this is not the case as some are sick or suffering from cancer,” she added.
N.N.Y. Anchali, 22, said she decided to go bald initially out of curiously to see how she looked without hair.
However, she said she eventually realised the seriousness of the issue and wanted to raise awareness about cancer.
“It is very sad. No one should suffer from serious illness, people should practise a healthy lifestyle,” she added.
Senior citizen Lee Ean Teng, 87, said going bald was part of his effort to give back to the community.
Joining the participants in shaving their heads were Penang Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey.
Phee said he was glad to see so many people doing their bit for charity.