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Relative’s treatment gives added reason for fundraiser

Nadia Arandjelovic
Updated: Feb 25, 2011 08:45 AM
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Fifteen-year-old Nahge’ O’Brien had been diagnosed with leukemia. His relative Denise Hollis, is shaving her hair to raise money for charity St Baldricks and to show solidarity with young cancer patients, like Nahge’, who lose their hair to chemotherapy.

PartnerRe employee Denise Hollis initially took part in cancer fundraiser St Baldrick’s as a fun in-house competition with some men in the office.But two weeks later the business analyst learnt that 15-year-old family member Nahge’ O’Brien had been diagnosed with leukaemia.The tragedy gave her an even greater incentive and started off the ambitious goal of raising $10,000 before the March 18 shave.Ms Hollis said: “Being a mother myself, I can only feel his mother’s pain and the despair of having a child go through this.“Through e-mail correspondence, from [Children’s Hospital Boston], I obtained his parents’ permission and blessing to dedicate my shaving to Nahge’.”Ms Hollis said she is not worried about going bald, considering she cut off her shoulder-length hair about six years ago, and told The Royal Gazette: “I can’t wait to take it off.“I have never gone completely bald before but I am not nervous at all. My co-workers, family and friends are 100 percent supportive of me participating in this.“My 22-year-old son thought that I was joking at first but he has seen me go blonde, red and dark brown so I don’t think that anything could shock him with me and my hair anymore.”Funds raised will go towards childhood cancer research in the US. Local donors can give to PALS Bermuda instead.Ms Hollis said more women were taking part in the event as many know someone who has suffered with the disease and most were cognisant their hair would grow back.She said: “It is always good to be charitable. It’s a good feeling to know that you helped someone else who may be going through a rough time and every little bit helps.“I’m using every possible means to raise funds, even through general conversation wherever I go. I have been actively promoting the event via e-mail, BlackBerry messenger and Facebook.“Plus, I created some flyers that I e-mailed out asking friends and family to pass on or post wherever they can. So far I have had some really positive feedback. People that I don’t know have approached me in public to say that they have seen the flyers and will support me.”

Fifteen-year-old Nahge’ O’Brien had been diagnosed with leukemia. His relative Denise Hollis, is shaving her hair to raise money for charity St Baldricks and to show solidarity with young cancer patients, like Nahge’, who lose their hair to chemotherapy.
Fifteen-year-old Nahge’ O’Brien had been diagnosed with leukemia. His relative Denise Hollis, is shaving her hair to raise money for charity St Baldricks and to show solidarity with young cancer patients, like Nahge’, who lose their hair to chemotherapy.
Fifteen-year-old Nahge’ O’Brien had been diagnosed with leukemia. His relative Denise Hollis, is shaving her hair to raise money for charity St Baldricks and to show solidarity with young cancer patients, like Nahge’, who lose their hair to chemotherapy.
Denise Hollis (above left) is shaving her head for St Baldrick’s Day and to show solidarity for her relative Nahge’ O’Brien, 15 (pictured above right) who has been diagnosed with leukaemia.
Photo by Mark TatemDenise Hollis is shaving her head for St. Baldrick’s Day