If people have picked up a Free Press edition in the past year, chances are they have read a story about the incredible journey Shannon Miller has taken fundraising for local cancer non-for-profit, The Kyabram Gift.
Well, the journey only had one ending and let’s just say it came to a shaved head.
On Saturday, November 30 Shannon took the clippers to her hair and shaved off all of her blonde locks, a promise she had made in February along with a fundraising goal of $5000.
By November, Shannon had not only kept her promise to shave her head, but had also smashed her fundraising target, collecting an astounding $10,000 — more than double her initial goal.
On the day, Shannon was surrounded by her friends, family and a few committee members from The Kyabram Gift who were there to support her as much as she had supported them.
Once all the hair had settled on the floor, Shannon said she felt an overwhelming rush of emotion.
“I was actually quite emotional,” she said.
“I was upset around the vanity and the beauty standards of losing my hair and the reality of it all happening, but then frustrated and upset with myself because I’m actually making a choice.
“People that get cancer diagnosis don’t get a choice of the time in their life and don’t get a choice when their hair starts to fall out ... so I had a full cycle of emotions that day.“
Shannon expressed her gratitude for being part of this crucial local fundraiser and said she’d never felt more motivated than after reaching her $10,000 goal.
The Kyabram Gift was started in 2010 to financially support individuals and their families experiencing cancer, helping them pay for transport to appointments, food or costs for treatment and tests.
The Kyabram Gift chair Ali Walsh said Shannon’s support would allow recipients to receive extra financial support that comes with expensive periods such as the festive season.
“(The donation) will be a huge relief for recipients who are already struggling physically and financially,” Ms Walsh said.
“The Gift committee and supporters are incredibly proud of Shannon’s huge contribution and so grateful to everyone who contributed at her fundraising events.
“(It was) a significant act of strength and kindness that is truly inspirational.“
Throughout the year she put on small events to chip away at her goal: an Easter raffle here, a cupcake stand there – but there was one event in particular that really hit the fundraising jackpot.
“The trivia night was amazing,” Shannon said.
A sold-out trivia night brought together more than 200 quiz aficionados for a night of fun, competition and raising more than $4,500 altogether.
Shannon said the trivia night was not only a highlight fundraising wise, but a highlight enjoyment wise as well.
“It was great to have all of my friends in one room, supporting me, supporting The Gift — it was good fun,” she said.
“It’s been overwhelming the support we’ve gotten ... but The Kyabram Gift has a great reputation in town and they help a lot of people, so I was more than happy to help them out myself.”
Shannon is now adjusting to her new look, enjoying the unexpected perks of a breezy scalp and extra time in the day from skipping her daily hair routine.
While her hair will grow back with time, the profound difference she's made in others' lives will endure for years to come.