The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) hosted its 17th annual national Shavathon at shopping centres and malls on Saturday February 29.
Four cast members from the telenovela, Arendsvlei, came out to show their support for this fund-raiser when they joined the public at Vangate Mall to have their hair sprayed.
Actor Jody Abrahams, who plays the character of Lionel in the series, not only sprayed his hair, but he had it cut as well. The others who joined him include Joseph Mitchell, who plays Uncle Johnny, Crystal Donna Roberts, who plays Janice, and Roberto Kyle, who plays Lee-Roy.
Apart from raising the much-needed funds, shaving one’s hair is also a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors, as losing one’s hair is a common side effect of cancer treatment.
For Ms Roberts, this matter is close to her heart, as she is a breast cancer survivor herself. Her hair is only growing back now after her treatment.
“This is a lovely initiative, especially to show support for people like myself, who lost our hair. I am also here today, because I think cancer is not an illness that is only treated and supported by doctors, but major support comes from the community as well. I have experienced this support, going through this myself. That is why the Shavathon is so important,” Ms Roberts said.
Mr Mitchell and his family have also been affected by cancer.
“My wife is a breast cancer survivor. My family and I have seen the effect the treatment had on her. She had to undergo one year of chemotherapy. She also lost her hair, and as a family, we journeyed with her on her quest to beat cancer. I also like supporting community initiatives. I am from this area, and will support where I can. My colleagues and I volunteered our time to be here today,” Mr Mitchell said.
Mr Abrahams said everybody should get involved with initiatives like this, as no-one could claim to not to be affected by cancer.