Big shave time2 min read

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In June, Onehunga Primary School student, Tahila, fulfilled her promise to shave her hair off to help support patients and families living with a blood cancer. The Shave for a Cure fundraiser event was also in honour of her late grandfather who fought and beat lymphoma cancer.

 

The Year 6 student had always wanted to donate her hair to make wigs for patients, and this fundraiser was the perfect way to do it. Tahila spent two years growing her hair to prepare, and was excited that the day had finally arrived.

 

A special assembly for the ceremony was held in the school hall, and Lou Berlim of of Kafuné hair salon offered to perform the task of cutting Tahila’s head of hair. The locks were then donated to a wig makers on the family’s behalf..

 

“It is such a brave thing for Tahila to do, especially at such a young age. She should be very proud of herself because this is going to help improve the life of another person,” says Lou.

 

Tahila held a brave smile throughout the cutting ceremony, and the school hall had never been so quiet, according to school principal Viki Holley. Once the buzz cut was complete, Tahila flashed a beaming grin of reassurance to her nervous mum, Nadia, who admitted she was more nervous than her daughter. “Her dad and I felt super proud of her for doing this beautiful, brave act. She’s raised over $2500 and people are still donating,” she says.

The original fundraising goal was set at $1000, but the event went on to raise an amzing $2195 for the cause, with donations still coming in.

Visit shaveforacure.co.nz/tahila-tuitahi to donate and help Tahila honour the memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

 

(Lou Berlim with Tahila after the big shave)