Lady Gaga hopes to die as free as her hair. The vivacious Glee character, Mercedez, sings about not having to change her weave. It is a norm for many to express themselves through their hair, but how many would express their support for cancer patients by shaving their hair?
66 signed up, but a total of 106 turned up to get their hair shaved off recently at Ngee Ann Poly's very first Hair For Hope initiative. Organised and initiated by Clarissa Sih, a year 2 Mass Communication student, this was the second year that Clarissa's involved herself in the event.
From left to right: Lecturer-Advisor Mrs.Shirlyn Toh, Jeanette Yeo & Clarissa Sih, organising team for Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Hair For Hope 2011.
When asked about her thoughts on the event, she said she feels happy that she is able to help ease the burden of children cancer sufferers by raising funds and awareness through this event.
For her, Hair For Hope is a walking testament of the bravery possessed by child cancer sufferers. She shares that some do not understand the cause and gave her disapproving looks, especially when she pays a visit to public toilets.
And it was certainly not easy juggling school work and organising this event at the same time. She's had doubts about the success of the event when stress got the better of her. The negative thoughts, however, went away when the event unfolded before her very eyes.
Our very own Principal, Mr Chia, came down to grace the occasion.
Among the participants were also lecturers!
A courageous lady!
Participants offering megawatt smiles as they get their head shaved :')
Jay Jay, year 2 Advertising & Public Relations student feels that shaving hair off for a good cause was just like donating blood, and there's nothing to lose if it's in the name of charity.
And guess who else came down for Hair For Hope?
Dynamic duo, Jack & Rai entertained the participants that day!
I was amazed when Clarissa shared with me that her core team only consisted of three people (her co-organiser - Jeanette Yeo, and lecturer-advisor - Mrs Shirlyn Toh)! She hopes for increased awareness of this meaningful event that supports children cancer patients and that more people will participate the event in future.
"Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair. But a confident bald man - there's your diamond in the rough."- Larry David.
Photo credits: Thilagan Narayanasamy
