Dear friends,
It was a sad day for our family on 22 March this year when we lost my parents’ first born to cancer, my only sister. She was 40 and had lived in the States with her family. Between the time of diagnosis to her passing was a mere two months. We were not given enough time to react and sadly, we did not even get a chance to say our final goodbye – we were 4 hours too late in getting to her. She left behind 4 children, the youngest of whom is less than a year old.
And now, my sister-in-law is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and a dear friend is awaiting treatment for womb cancer. As I witness first hand the devastating effect of chemotherapy on cancer patients and it’s psychological effects on the families, I started to look around for a way to help.
In honour of my sister and those bravely battling the illness, I have signed up with Hair for Hope 2011and their cause. On Sunday (July 24) at Vivo City noontime, I will be shaving my head bald to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation. Initially, I was hesitant about this seemingly extreme move; aesthetically, I am not sure how I will look bald. But when I think of the sufferings of these patients and their families; the physical pain, the financial burden, the uncertain future — I am happy to be sacrificing my long locks for a noble cause – to support the cancer patients and to increase awareness of this dreaded disease.
It is my fervent hope that I can raise $20,000 from pledges by people moved by my sincerity. A little gesture goes a very long way and no amount is too small. Pledges can be received online at the following website – http://www.hairforhope.org.sg/index.php?/shavee/idetails/2120
(You may also go to Hair for Hope website www.hairforhope.org.sg – look under “individual shavee – Lavina” to help make a small contribution.)
Remember, every little effort goes a long way to help light the lives of someone fighting for their lives.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU 😉
Sincerely,
Lavina Chong