Lose My Hair to the Mayor – Oh Yeah!!
In 2012 I lost my dearly loved mum to cancer. Several years prior to that, she had fought bladder cancer and won. A few years later she lost a breast to cancer but beat that too. In 2012, she fought again but lost her battle with lymphoma. An adored wife of 60 years, mother and grandmother taken from us.
Fast forward to 2016 and I lost my lovely dad to prostate cancer that had metastasised and robbed him of the dignity that was an essential part of him. A much-loved dad and granddad gone.
As a daughter and as a nurse, I understand the long tentacles of pain and grief that wind their way around those affected by cancer. As West Coast Manager of the Cancer Society, it is a privilege to serve those who are fighting their own cancer battles. I admire their strength, courage and fortitude to push forward and confront the journey ahead of them. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the Cancer Society’s ability to raise funds to keep our essential support services operating.
This is why, on the 10th June 2020 at 2pm, Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson will be shaving my head. The money raised will be used to support our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours who have received the news no one wants to hear “you have cancer”.
I am told that I am very brave to have my long hair shaved off. To that I say “no, I am not the brave one. That honour goes to those with cancer who get up each day and fight the good fight”.