A Mother’s Courage

My mum’s cancer diagnoses turned our world upside down. Hearing the word “cancer” is enough to make anyone feel as though the ground beneath them has shifted. But my mum approached her challenges with a grace and strength that I can only aspire to emulate.

Cervical cancer, particularly in its advanced stages, is aggressive and often requires equally aggressive treatment. From surgeries to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, my mum faced it all with unwavering determination.

Then came the breast cancer diagnosis. This new battle felt almost cruel in its timing, but my mum took it in her stride, refusing to let it diminish her will to fight. Watching her endure and persist through endless rounds of treatment was both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The Role of the Lower Silesia Oncology Centre

The Lower Silesia Oncology Centre in Wroclaw is not just a hospital—it’s a lifeline. The doctors, nurses, and support staff there became like family to us, treating my mum with a level of care that went far beyond their professional duties.

Their tireless work and genuine compassion inspired me to take action. I knew I wanted to contribute to their ongoing mission, not only as a thank you for all they’d done for my mum but also to help ensure they could continue supporting other families facing similar battles.

The Idea Behind the Fundraiser

When I began considering ways to support the Lower Silesia Oncology Centre, I wanted to do something that was both meaningful and personal. That’s when the idea of shaving my hair came to me.

By shaving my head, I hoped to stand in solidarity with those who lose their hair due to cancer treatments. Moreover, I wanted my hair to serve a greater purpose by donating it to the Little Princess Trust, a UK-based charity that creates wigs for children who have lost their hair.

At the same time, the fundraiser would directly support the “Together We Will Win” foundation, which funds critical equipment, research, and patient care at the Lower Silesia Oncology Centre.

Preparing for the Big Day

As the date—16 July 2020—approached, I felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and gratitude. Shaving my hair was a symbolic act, but the real goal was to raise awareness and funds for a cause that had become so personal to me.

Messages of support poured in, and donations began to grow. Each contribution, no matter the size, felt like a step closer to making a real difference. It was heartening to see how many people were willing to rally behind a cause that touched so many lives.

The Shave: A Day of Transformation

On 16 July 2020, the big day arrived. With clippers in hand and a heart full of purpose, I prepared to part with my hair. It was an emotional moment—not because I was losing my hair, but because of what it represented.

As the first strands fell, I thought of my mum, of the battles she had fought and was still fighting. I thought of the children who would wear wigs made from the hair I was donating, and I thought of the staff at the Lower Silesia Oncology Centre who would benefit from the funds raised.

Donating to Two Incredible Causes

With my hair shaved, I packed it carefully to send to the Little Princess Trust. Knowing that it would bring comfort and confidence to a child facing their own challenges made every moment of the process worthwhile.

Simultaneously, the funds raised—thanks to the generosity of so many—were directed to the “Together We Will Win” foundation. These funds would go toward advancing cancer care, providing critical equipment, and supporting patients and their families.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back, this experience has been one of the most humbling and rewarding of my life. It reminded me of the incredible strength of my mum, the importance of community, and the power of small acts to create a ripple effect of good.

Cancer touches so many lives, and while it can feel like an insurmountable challenge, the support of dedicated professionals, family, and community can make all the difference.

How You Can Help

If my story has resonated with you, here are ways you can make a difference:

• Donate: Consider contributing to organisations like the Lower Silesia Oncology Centre or cancer research charities in your area.
• Volunteer: Many cancer support organisations rely on volunteers to assist with fundraising and patient care.
• Raise Awareness: Share stories like this one to highlight the importance of supporting cancer patients and their families.
• Consider Hair Donation: If you’re inspired by the idea, organisations like the Little Princess Trust welcome hair donations to create wigs for children in need.

Closing Thoughts

My mum’s journey with cancer has been one of the most challenging periods of our lives, but it has also been a time of growth, connection, and gratitude. The act of shaving my hair and raising funds was a small way to honour her courage and give back to those who’ve helped her along the way.

Together, we can continue to support those facing cancer and work toward a future where no one has to face it alone.