A host of Seychelles citizens from Praslin, Seychelles second biggest island is currently braving the shave.

The Cancer Concern Association on Praslin over the weekend organized a fund-raising campaign (Brave the Shave) to finance and support people living with cancer and build a hospice for cancer patients who need palliative care.

‘‘Brave the Shave’ is an international fundraising activity whose proceeds go to cancer victims and their families.

The head of the association, Tasianna Bossy, while speaking with the press stated that Praslin was in dire need for such facilities.

“We carry out a lot of visits to the hospital and homes and we have seen the demand for extra care and privacy. When a person is going through the last stage of life, they won’t always get access to a private room which costs. There is a need for the person to have more comfort, care and privacy,” said Bossy.

According to Bossy, the hospice project was at the preliminary stages and the association was working closely with the Ministry of health to see the project becomes successful.

“We are working in a collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It is the health ministry that will provide us with the place, whether it is a new piece of land or a building belonging to the ministry. We are getting the assistance of businessmen where we will fund the hospice,” said Bossy.

Despite rains on the campaign date, a lot of Praslin occupants defiled the rain, attended the activity and contributed generously.

At the campaign, aside paying for shaving the hair, participants were encouraged to donate blood, do rapid HIV tests, do a prostate or breast cancer test and check their blood pressure. They also had the opportunity to buy a space on a ‘wall’ to be placed in the future hospice. A piece of plywood had been designed into a wall with pink bricks, each costing SCR250 ($18).

The total amount of money raised for this campaign isn’t known yet. According to Bossy, the organization was getting extra funding from big firms and bodies in the country.

Peter Pomeroy, a participant, said he took part in ‘Brave the Shave’ because “it is for a very good cause.”

“Members of my own family have been affected by cancer over the years and we all know what a terrible disease this is and any small thing I can do to make the situation of families better on Praslin, then I will do so. I have pledged SCR10,000 ($730) for my shave and my children gave SCR2,500 ($183) for the bricks,” said Pomeroy.

Although the act cannot compare to a cancer patient losing their hair, ‘Brave the Shave’ campaign is a great way to raise fund and awareness about the disease and also in supporting victims.

Rodt Moustache, whose mother died as a result of cancer, said she participated because she wanted to help and make things better for others who are suffering from cancer.

Culled from seychellesnewsagency.com