Shave for a cure teen: 'I know someone in need will really appreciate it'

Wairoa girl Monique Stone will have her 70cm-long hair shaved off as part of the Shave for a Cure campaign taking place this month. Photo / Supplied

The thought of shaving her hair for charity has always been in the back of Wairoa girl Monique Stone's mind, but at the end of the month it will become a reality.

"I have long hair and I know someone in need will really appreciate it for a wig," Monique said.

Although that was an important factor for Monique, her main reason for taking part was because she has been affected by cancer in the past.

"My grandmother passed away from it and recently one of my school teachers (and friend's auntie) and my grandfather passed away because of it," she said.

The Wairoa College student said she wanted to do something to ease the struggles of those battling cancer.

"I have loved having long hair but I know it can grow back, whereas someone who has lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy does not have the option of growing their hair back straight away," she said.

"I also knew that my family and friends, Wairoa College and the Wairoa community would get behind me in my decision to shave my hair off, so having support and raising money for 'shave for a cure' would not be hard. Thank you to everyone who has already donated or simply shown their support in different ways. It is very much appreciated.

"I am scared about the shave, but I also can't believe I am even doing it at this point. Once I hear the buzz of the shaver it will probably become more real and scary."

Monique's father, Vinnie, will also take part in the campaign, which she said would help "calm her nerves".

"I am excited too, because I know it is for a good cause and it will be cool to experience having no hair . . . long hair can get super-annoying at times anyway.

"I cannot even remember the last time my hair was at shoulder length so having no hair at all is going to be so weird!

"This is the first time I have taken part in something like this and so far it has been a very humbling experience," she said.

If anyone would like to donate to Monique and her father's cause, visit the shaveforacure.co.nz and opt to donate to team name "The Stonez" by typing the name in the team search section.

Monique said the same applied for anyone keen to join their team on the day.

The shave will take place at the Wairoa College on Friday, March 31, at 5pm.

Monique's hair will be shaved by Teresa Zeilstra of Petite Fleur Hair Salon.

All are welcome to go along to watch the event.

- Wairoa Star