When you’re a woman who has always prided herself in a luxurious head of hair, what does it take to shave it off?
Well, in the case of Noosa mums Danielle Langan and Sam Smith, it’s all for the love of friends and family.
When members of both recently battled cancer, the girls became aware of the amazing work of local charity Wishlist which provides invaluable support for people suffering cancer and other serious illnesses.
As the girls posted on social media: “The heartache associated with serious illness and disease touches most of us at some stage in our life, and we have experienced firsthand the loss and devastation that this can bring to families, both emotionally and financially.
"The work that Wishlist does in our local community to support families facing these challenging times is invaluable."
Fundraising and Partnerships Lead Jasmine Wheatley applauded Sam and Danielle for shaving their locks in the name of charity.
“Every day we see patients and families facing a health crisis within our local public hospitals,” Ms Wheatley said.
“In fact, around 60 percent of Wishlist’s accommodation guests are undergoing cancer treatment and need to stay to be close to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).”
In the 2022/23 financial year, there were more than 58,000 presentations to SCUH from Noosa and Noosa Hinterland residents.
“The majority of those presentations were outpatients clinics which can range from cancer care, medical, surgical, paediatric appointments, maternity, and allied health services," Jasmine adds.
“Wishlist exists to fund the extras to help make the hospital experience that little bit better, and it’s only thanks to fundraisers like Sam and Danielle that we can purchase medical equipment, fund important support services, supported accommodation and research.
“This extends to the Noosa community who may need to travel to SCUH, Nambour and Gympie hospitals for medical treatment.”
Sam Smith adds: “In 2024 I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. Well, this is certainly that! My amazing friend, Dan, and I are shaving our heads on Friday 12 April, hoping to raise more than $5000 for Wishlist.
"We are losing our locks and aim to raise our target from our friends, family, community and work colleagues, knowing that 100 per cent of the funds will be benefiting our community in such an Important way.
"Big shout out to local hair salon and huge supporters Craig and Lara from Pony Hair Salon Noosaville, who have generously donated their time and salon to do the big shave on Bald Friday in April.”
Written by Phil Jarratt - Noosa Today.
