A small crowd of supporters, family members, friends, and members of the media gathered at Wheel Love Skateshop in SS15 Subang Jaya late Sunday afternoon to witness an act of selflessness and compassion. 28-year-old Geh Chee Minh was about to give up his super long ponytail in the name of cancer research.
People arrived from as early at 4pm and as the hour passed, the anxiety level built. Ours, more than Chee Minh’s. The event was also streamed live on the Internet to help raise funds for the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF).
While friends and family kicked back, the Malaysian photographer extraordinaire was in high spirits. He took time to speak to people, thanking them for being present, taking numerous pictures, and cracking jokes. And no, contrary to popular belief, the champ didn’t cry.
He quickly made a speech and explained his motives for wanting to contribute to cancer research. It was then revealed that he has had a few personal experiences with the disease (Chee Minh lost his two aunts and grandfather to cancer). He also invited Professor Dr. Teo Soo Hwang (CARIF chief executive) to say a few words. She praised him for his determination and contribution.
She also added that Chee Minh was doing something (donating his ponytail and shaving off his hair in the name of charity) that even she had never imagined herself doing.
But the final hour came and his hair had to go.
At that point, he announced that donations as much as RM19,190 has poured in. Keeping to his word, Chee Minh then had a friend grab a pair of scissors and ceremoniously chop off his 10-year-old ponytail. 15 minutes later, he emerged more “lightheaded”, sporting a crew cut.
We applaud the young man for taking a chance in wanting to make a difference. Good job, Chee Minh. And the hair (or therefore lack of) suits you!
For more pictures from the event, click!
