MAKING a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate, especially individuals undergoing critical health conditions, requires great compassion and generosity.
Do we have the guts to lose something on us that will eventually grow in time to support those battling cancer and are in life-threatening moments?
That’s exactly what Penang Adventist Hospital will be doing this year on April 21 when they hold their ‘100 Gutsy Bald’ fundraiser aimed at raising donations for its Cancer Fund.
With a fundraising target of RM200,000, the event comes at a crucial time when funds are running low.
Seven years ago, a similar head-shaving event was held at the hospital’s newly-built multi-storey car park, which went on to attract hundreds of participants and received an overwhelming response from the public.
This time, the hospital will work closely with Gurney Plaza (venue sponsor), HI Signature Salon and Academy (official participating salon) and Howei Events.
Hospital chief executive officer Albin Phua said going bald for such a noble cause is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful fundraiser aimed at supporting those battling cancer.
“Every shaved head represents a beacon of hope, a symbol of unity, and a powerful reminder that no one fights alone.
“Last year, thanks to the collective efforts of our community, we were able to disburse RM452,869 directly impacting the lives of 18 cancer patients in need.
“However, the need persists, and our resources are fast decreasing.
“We need your support to keep our mission alive and thriving.
“Through your united efforts, we can create a positive change in the lives of those affected by cancer,” Phua said during the ‘100 Gutsy Bald’ media conference at the hospital on March 14.
This year’s event will also see the return of several familiar faces that took part in the 2017 ‘Go Bald, Go The Distance’ fundraiser, and a couple of them were invited to share a few words earlier.
One of them, Oong Jim Kooi, 57, said that while this year will be his second time going bald courtesy of the hospital’s efforts, he has shaved his head four times for a similar cause in the past.
Oong, who operates a tuition centre, said that when he did it for the first time in 2017, it was done as a show of support towards his deceased mother-in-law, who lost her life through cancer.
Meanwhile, two strong and bold women who went on to steal the show were none other than the hospital’s staff, working at the charity department as medical welfare executives, Tan Hui Nee and Ooi Jing Hann.
Their primary role is to meet potential beneficiaries of the various funds in the hospital and undertake all the necessary procedures before the patients are given the green light to receive the funds.
It is heartwarming to witness these individuals, who are already making a difference in the lives of the needy, taking a step further to participate and go bald through this upcoming fundraiser.
Both Tan, 27, and Ooi, 23, during their speeches, urged people to participate in this initiative and emphasised that by going bald, we are only giving so little compared to the pain cancer patients endure.
Another familiar face is Ewe Kok Howg, 47, who joined the 2017 event with his children.
Ewe jokingly said that in 2017, when his kids were still young, it was easy to persuade them to shave their heads but now that they’ve grown, they were not so prepared.
“Although I will be going bald alone this year, my wife and children have shown tremendous support and have vowed to stand by me during the event,” he said.
Ewe said four of his friends have agreed to go bald with him.
Hospital group president Ronald Koh has also pledged to go bald during the event.
It was learned that out of the target of 100 participants, 40 have signed up so far, and the response in terms of meeting the fundraising goal, has been encouraging.
Among those present during the media conference were Gurney Plaza marketing communications senior executive Reney Khor, Howei Events marketing director Samuel Shee and HI Signature Salon and Academy representative Isac.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal