Tess Garofalo takes the first lock from friend Vanessa Roberts’ head at Griffith Central on Saturday. The ladies raised $8000 for Can Assist.
Tess Garofalo receives a kiss from her daughter’s boyfriend Cody O’Farrell after shaving her head for Can Assist. Friend Vanessa Roberts orchestrated the fundraiser to support Tess in her fight against cancer.
VANESSA Roberts has a newly bald head and she's loving every minute of it.
The local woman lost her locks in support of best friend Tess Garofalo on Saturday, raising $8000 for Can Assist at the same time.
And Tess, who is fighting secondary cancer of the blood, was right beside her, getting her own head shaved.
It was an emotional morning for the women and all who had come along to Griffith Central to see the mighty fundraising effort.
"I got really choked up when Tess sat in the chair I really had to compose myself," Mrs Roberts said.
"It was just incredible that she was well enough to come down and join in.
"Once she'd done hers, getting my head shaved was easy. I didn't regret it for a minute."
Mrs Roberts has been raising money for several weeks in the lead-up to the event, holding a morning tea and sausage sizzle.
The big event on Saturday included a raffle, with local man Dave Curry taking out the first prize of a $4000 bed from Harvey Norman.
Mrs Roberts said she was astounded by the level of support she had received from people all over Griffith.
The biggest donation was $2000 from Griffith Leagues Club.
"I am absolutely over the moon with the amount we raised and completely humbled by the generosity I have seen," she said.
"Eight thousand is just a great total - I'm rapt."
And it looks like the new hairstyle might be a hit.
"The only problem is that my head is cold," Mrs Roberts said.
"I'm wearing a scarf but that's not because the bald head worries me, it's because I'm cold.
"I actually really like it. I've had so many positive comments and support and it is such a liberating experience.
"We all get so hung up on our hair but there's something about having none that is just so amazing."
