Often a ‘good’ cause doesn’t have meaning for you until it touches your life – but Northern Rivers woman Felicity Guinea had already started her campaign to help fight cancer when news of a family member’s illness came to light.
Not long after deciding to raise funds for Cancer Council by having her head shaved, Felicity found out her 91-year-old great grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Important to self examine
Following self-examination when she found a lump, Felicity’s great nan went to the doctor who turned her away. After visiting a second doctor, the tests confirmed she had breast cancer.
Deciding to grow her hair in order to have it shaved off, Felicity’s sister Steph, more recently decided to accompany her and have her head shaved too.
The charitable ‘Shave for the Brave’ will be held at the Tyalgum Hotel this Friday. Organiser of the event is older sister, Sarah-Jane, who works at the Hotel. Tyalgum Hotel is generously holding mini raffles in the lead-up to the event and on the night a monster raffle will be drawn.
Mullum’s on board
Supporting Felicity’s courageous actions is the St John’s Primary School Mullumbimby where she works as a Teacher’s Aid while completing her Bachelor of Education (Primary) Degree at the Southern Cross University of which she is in her second year.
Mullumbimby Primary School has also come on board with teachers and students all contributing to the fundraiser. The students are holding a dress-up day and providing a gold coin donation which goes to Cancer Council NSW. A donation jar in the staff room has already raised $150.
Not only is Hairdresser, Mirsad shaving Felicity and Steph’s hair but is offering to spray colour the patron’s hair throughout the duration of the evening, for $10 and/or head shaves which will also be donated to the cause.
Felicity and Steph’s wonderful feat is a beacon to all in helping to raise vital funds to assist Cancer Council NSW to find targeted and improved treatments for breast cancer.
One of the best defences against cancer is yourself
One of the best defences women have against cancer is themselves! Prevention – by living a cancer-smart lifestyle and participating in recommended screening programs – can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer while increasing the changes of early discovery. As Felicity’s nan said, regularly examine your breasts, listen to your body, and if you are concerned, get it checked out.
Felicity statedsays she challenged herself to shave her hair to support Cancer Council in their mission for a cancer-free future. ‘I saw a close friends pass away from cancer as well a student from school. I am a very “girly” girl and no family or friends would envisage me taking this action.
‘Cancer is just so destructive to so many people, I would like to see a world free of cancer.’
Felicity’s great nan says if you’re worried, trust yourself and your body and get that second opinion. ‘Get checked!’
Felicity and Sarah will lop it off at the Tyalgum Hotel this Friday, November 5.
