Marine Parade optician, 61, shaves head for 13 years in support of fighting childhood cancer

Would you ever shave your hair for a good cause?

What about doing that every single year for more than a decade?

Amy Low, 61, has done just that: shaving her head for 13 years in support of the Hair for Hope programme.

Sure enough, she came, yet again, during this year's official launch for her annual ritual, marking her 13th year.

The official launch of Hair for Hope this year took place at the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery on Apr. 24.

And to top it off, she was one of the first in line.

When asked why, she simply said: "We're all in this together."

So what exactly is this programme she devotedly goes to meant for?

Hair for Hope raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer.

According to the Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF), one of the common short-term side effects of undergoing cancer treatment is hair loss, which affects a child's confidence.

This is why, since 2003, Hair for Hope annually calls on the Singapore community to show solidarity by symbolically shaving their heads.

Making a bald statement

Through the act of kindness, CCF hopes to let children with cancer know that it is ok to be bald and that they are not alone.

This year, according to Hair for Hope, they hope to raise S$6 million to help children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

The raised donations will go towards funding programmes and services by CCF.

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An optician for 27 years

Low sported a white optician uniform and wore her shaved head proudly, when Mothership visited her at her optical shop at Marine Parade.

She greeted us with a cheerful, kind smile despite the early morning meet-up.

Low shared that she has been an optician at the shop for 27 years since 1998.

During our interview, Low patiently attended to a few elderly customers who dropped by for assistance. One seemed to come simply for a friendly chat, while another asked for a spectacle string. But Low didn't seem to mind at all.

Her dedication to Hair for Hope

Low recalled how she signed up in her first year because of a friend who had encouraged her to do it.

She remembers how that year's experience brought tears of joy after she shaved her head for the first time.

Sharing why she continued to doing so for more than a decade, she explained that she finds Hair for Hope to be "a very good charity".

At her shop, you can find photos of Low before and after shaving her head.

Low said that she felt that her shop can be a useful platform to raise awareness and donations to help children in need.

"Don't waste it lah," she said.

When asked if she is proud of the efforts she had made, she replied that it's more of something she is happy about.

Customer reactions to her shaved head

Low remembers that her customers were initially surprised by her bald head when she participated in Hair for Hope for the first time.

Some thought she had cancer, and she would take the opportunity to explain to them what Hair for Hope is about.

Her customers would support with donations after hearing from Low.

Some people who donated were once cancer patients themselves, and they would share with Low their experiences.

Will Low ever stop participating

When asked about what she would say to those who are on the fence about signing up for Hair for Hope, Low said: "Why not? Hair can grow. And you know, you can have the chance [to gather] some donations that help out with society."

To those who are curious about how having a bald head feels, Low looked pleased to reply: "Very fresh, very light."

Low said that she will continue to take part in Hair for Hope every year until her hair stops growing one day.

Respect.

Hair for Hope 2025 main event

Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585

When:

• Jul. 26, 11am to 7pm
• Jul. 27, 11am to 6pm

Register online for Hair for Hope 2025 here.

Top image courtesy of Children's Cancer Foundation.