180 go bald to raise cancer awareness

GEORGE TOWN: About 180 Penangites had their heads shaved bald today in solidarity with cancer patients and to raise awareness of the illness.
Among them was Shanice Lim, 17, who said she wanted to emphatise 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.
Proceeds from the event will go 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 influence but this is not the case as some are sick or suffering from cancer," she added.
NNY Anchali, 22, said she decided to go bald at first 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 practice 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 and to raise awareness on the issue.
Joining them in shaving their heads was Penang Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey.
In his opening speech, Phee expressed his hope that more corporations will do more to help the underprivileged in the community.
"I am glad to see so many courageous people who pledged to go bald in our bid to raise funds," he said.