Young boy steps up to do his bit to fight cancer

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 June 2018, 12:00AM

At the tender age of 11, Moli Maurice Sapatū has registered for Samoa Cancer Society’s BlueSky “Shave, Save or Dye it” scheduled for this month. 

He is the youngest person to register for the head shave event and in doing so, Moli hopes to raise $800 for the Samoa Cancer Society. 

The Bluesky Samoa Shave, Save or Dye it campaign aims to raise awareness and raise funds to assist the Samoa Cancer Society. 

He told the Samoa Observer the cause is vital hence he is supporting it because of the number of people who can and will get assistance from the funds raised. 

 “The good person in me wants to come out and I know that cancer hurts so many people and I just want to help where I can.”  

 “I hope to raise $800, but if we can make a $1000 then that will be amazing,” said Moli, who currently attends Peace Chapel Primary School.  

The young boy also challenged anyone who wants to join the cause to register with the Samoa Cancer Society. 

“If I can do it, I don’t see why you can’t.”

“Again cancer hurts and we should all help with the cause.” 

Twenty-eight people have registered including Moli.  

President of the Samoa Cancer Society, Lauaki Jason Annandale during the launching said the campaign is for a great cause in terms of awareness.  

“I am extremely grateful to have the support of the Government. The Ministers and some of the key captains in the industry have registered and are hoping they could reach their targets. In that way we can raise some resources for the Cancer Society.” 

“Having high profile members of Cabinet in the Government and captain of industries help raise the profile of the event, which is also very important for us,” he said. 

Lauaki also highlighted the importance of raising awareness. 

“It is important for us to raise that awareness so we would also start getting more patients who feel that they have the symptoms of cancer, presenting it early so that doctors can be able to assess where they are at.” 

“We have an issue here in Samoa of late presentation and when someone presents themselves late, it makes it very difficult to be able to find some kind of remedy.”  

“Prevention is better than cure.” 

Lauaki also explained what happens to those who would refuse to shave their hair after registering to have their hair shaved. 

“You notice the name of the event is shave it or save it or dye it. To say that some come to register to shave their hair and pledge that you will raise a certain amount of money and on the event you don’t want to shave your hair, then you have to match your pledge dollar for dollar for saving your hair.” 

“Saving options requires you dollar for dollar by the amount that you have raised with your pledge.” 

The campaign will be held on 28 June, 2018 at the Taumeasina Island Resort from 6pm until midnight and registrations ends on 18 May.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 19 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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