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Marina Vehbi has never had short hair in all her 84 years, but just two weeks ago made the brave decision to cut her long, healthy hair, to help those struggling with cancer, also making a R100 donation to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in Gqeberha.
The gentle Gqeberha breeze blew on Vehbi’s long grey hair for the last time before Kathy Wynne, the resident hairdresser at Laubscher Park East, put her scissors to task in the presence of other senior citizens.
“I am quite nervous about going short. Since I was a little girl, I have never really gone with short hair, but this is a good cause, so I am happy that I am finally doing it,” said Vehbi.
Wynne’s warm smile welcomed Vehbi on the stage at the Walmer Service Centre Hall. Hands over her mouth in sheer disbelief, the brave woman sat still as her long ponytail was cut. Snip, snip, and in a few seconds, the long hair she had been growing for nine years was gone! “Whew, the nerves are gone and I think the bob sort of looks good on me,” a relieved Vehbi said.
CANSA sustainability co-ordinator, Marius de Vries, said he was incredibly proud of Vehbi. “We need more people like her, because cancer patients really appreciate the effort of such people. We have a few Shavathons coming up in the Eastern Cape Province, and we really encourage everyone to donate whatever they can. If not hair, then any amount they are able to spare.”
After the shave, Wynne took Vehbi to a private room where she styled her new look.
“I have been a hairdresser for 18 years, and Marina’s hair is definitely memorable, long and healthy. She is such a brave woman,” Wynne said.
Vehbi said she commends the bravery and kindness of donors, and is committed to doing whatever she can.
“Maybe I’ll grow it out again, and in five years if I’m still alive, I’ll be back on this hot seat!” she joked, as her hair was being styled.
CANSA receives human hair donations (ponytails) in order to make sufficient wigs for cancer survivors requesting them. These wigs are distributed, as requested, to CANSA Care Centres all over the country, and given to cancer survivors who need it most.
CANSA welcomes all kinds of hair and wigs for donations, to cater for the needs of all ethnic groups. Although it is preferred that the ponytail should be 25cm or longer, shorter hair is also acceptable as it can be used as filler-hair. Hair donations are also accepted at the Shavathons and throughout the year at the Head Office in Gauteng, and via local CANSA Care Centres, countrywide. Hair donations received are then sent to a wig manufacturer of human hair.
