Lee-Ann Liebenberg said: Ive lost my beloved grandmother Marina to cancer and like mentioned in the article (which I know most of havent even bothered to read), stood by while my Dad, Allen battled lymph and then lung cancer, and my grandfather is currently undergoing treatment, so YES, I do know and understand the devastating effects of Cancer. I am a big girl and I can handle criticism but I wont take false accusations that my heart isnt in the right place lightly. When I was approached to be part of this Cancer awareness campaign, I knew it was a very sensitive issue and I could have decided not to get involved, BUT like Aristotle said Do nothing, say nothing and be nothing and thats definitely not who I am or what I am about. I want to help, I want to inspire and I want to make a change. I have been involved with many amazing awareness campaigns over the years that have made incredibly positive impacts and this particular campaign gave me the opportunity to share my familys journey and hopefully give someone courage not to give up the great fight... Using the platform Ive been given, to raise funds for those in need or to raise awareness for various causes,is my privilege. I live a beautiful life with the most incredibly supportive husband, two amazing children and the most loyal family and friends that Im extremely grateful for. Imagine if I, like so many others, decided to only focus on my life and turn a blind eye to all the shit that surrounds us and NOT to get involved and try help out where I can?Where would that leave us? I dont want to be that cynical person...I really passionately want to help and touch lives where I can. I am extremely sorry that the message I was trying to convey with this awareness campaign was interpreted the wrong way. Never ever EVER was there ANY ill intent. The wonderful CANSA association endorsed this awareness campaign because ALL involved did it with the uttermost respect, integrity and love. Unfortunately I CAN NOT SHAVE MY HEAD due to complicated currents contracts. Does this mean I shouldnt get involved with a cause so close to my heart because I cant shave my head? And does ONLY shaving my hair show commitment to cancer awareness? Please believe me, with my heart & soul, that Im 100000000% committed to raising awareness, with OR without hair. I can only imagine that losing your hair during chemotherapy is utterly devastating. I wanted to show compassion and I wanted to show that BALD IS BEAUTIFUL! Question?Would an ordinary pretty simple chocolate box photo of me (hair et all) supporting the fight against cancer have made the same impact? Get real. HEART vs hair.... Interestingly enough I did a Woman Abuse campaign in a very respectable magazine a few years ago where my face was also photoshopped to look like Ive been physically abused and no said a word? Hmmmm...... On the YOU magazine cover the word Shave is in inverted commas, but maybe the word photoshop should have been added to the cover to avoid confusion to those who didnt even bother to read the accompanying article...Is that a reason to disregard the integrity of all those involved? Ive read a few disturbing comments about people claiming that Im not a cancer awareness supporter because I didnt shave my hair. REALLY?!?! Are you kidding me??? What have we become that we cannot see good intentions even if it slaps you in the face?!? We see things not as they are, we see things as WE are, and if you can turn something inspiring, uplifting and supportive into the opposite of what we intended,well then I think you should take a step back and examine your outlook. Imagine if everyone who had something to say, made a contribution to the CANSA foundation instead, to fight the beast that is cancer,instead of fighting with me(or yourself) our future would be a little brighter and OUR world a little happier... Imagine if we could support each other, and those TRYING to make a positive change instead of bashing people who attempt to make YOUR world a better place...just imagine. I have taken the time to go onto some peoples profiles who had something to say about this campaign, and sadly NOT ONE profile advocated Cancer awareness...thats sad. My ways mays not please you, but I have not been placed on earth to please everyone. I am simply trying, the best way I know how to raise awareness and if that insulted you, IM EXTREMELY SORRY. Please know that it was never my intent to hurt. I dont mind standing alone for what I believe in...Id rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not. Thank you to ALL of you beautiful special souls who sent me positive comments, messages and the many inspirational mails, its been heartwarming to hear that this campaign has given you hope and courage and made you feel a little less alone! Remember, CANCER CAN BE BEATEN! All My Love Lee xxxx
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:28:31 +0000
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