I'm rocking the chop on 19/11/2024
A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope
Did you know that 1 in 2 Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime?
Twenty years ago, I experienced the heartbreak of losing my mother to cancer. At just 14, I shaved her head as chemotherapy took its toll—a moment that's stayed with me ever since.Watching her struggle with wigs and the loss of her natural hair left an indelible mark on my life. Since then, my long hair has become a big part of my identity. I've rarely cut it over the years, my long hair being a reminder of my mother's strength.
Last October, as I scheduled my yearly trim, my world came crashing down for a second time. My younger brother was killed in the horrific terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th, 2023. Instead of sitting in a salon chair, I found myself on a plane to the UK to lay him to rest, my heart heavy with grief.
In the wake of this devastating loss, I made a vow: to let my hair grow for a full year, marking my period of mourning. And now, this November 2024, I'll be donating my ponytail to the Cancer Council's Ponytail Project. This act is more than just cutting hair—it's a tribute to my mother's battle, a memorial to my brother's life, and a beacon of hope for those fighting cancer today.
My goal is to raise $5,000 for cancer research, a small step towards a future where no one has to endure what my family has faced. Your support means the world to me. Every dollar raised will fund vital cancer research, prevention programs, and support services. Together, we can turn personal tragedy into a force for positive change.
Will you join me in this journey of healing and hope?
You can find out more about where your donations go at ponytailproject.com.au/about-cancer-council.
Thank you!
My Achievements
Confidence is your best hairstyle! You look great, now conquer the day!
You've raised $1000! Congratulations legend!
Online squad, tick! You are now an online super star #PonytailProject
Halfway there! We believe in you
#PROUD! You have reached your fundraising goal! You are inspiring!
You've raised $5000! We'd love to officially welcome you into the Pony Club Hall of Fame!*
Thank you to my Sponsors
$40
Gili
$52.75
Keren
$47.48
Joe Marshall
Well done, Shelley. A thoughtful and commendable tribute. X
$15
Anonymous
$52.75
David Gorman
Supporting you all the way, Shelley. The Gormans, Didsbury
$52.75
Lindsey Horst
$3.17
Anonymous
Thank you for bringing so much encouragement and light into this world!!! Love and adore you!
$21.10
Becca
Well done Shell, a great thing to do xxx
$18.99
Blu Cohen
You’re a beautiful human. I am so sorry for your loss and inspired by what you’re doing. May his memory be a blessing.
$52.75
Anonymous
$51.88
Anonymous
God bless those suffering with cancer and the Isrelis! 🙏🏻
$50
Liz & Pj
Here’s to smashing the $5k for an amazing cause xxx
$52.75
Kevin Bennett
Great cause Shelley well done.
$52.75
Jude Walton
Wowzer Shell!!!! Brave girl, a beautiful gesture ❤️ 💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️💇🏻♀️
$15.82
Anonymous
❤️
$50
Sinead 😊
You’re amazing!!! 🦋🦋🦋🧡🧡🧡
$10.55
Claudia Paparella
To honor my amazing, strong, and supportive aunt, who passed away because of lymphoma on Nov. 26, 2020. May our hair give hope to all the people fighting against cancer all over the world
$180
Noam
$5.28
Anonymous
$26.38
Daniel Hernandez
$211
Elas Benisti
$20
Turnkey Corporate Limited
$263.75
Guy Walton
You’re amazing Shelley! So proud of you for doing this. Love you ❤️
$52.75
Loza
$52.75
Lucy Hood
Hugs galore xx
$101
Kacey
$50
Richard Halliday
$10.55
Anonymous
$26.38
Neil Millar
$52.75
Gabrielle Heron
I love your page and what you stand for and I love and support your goal to donate your hair! I hope this helps cancer research and supports other families who are struggling.
$20
Jen Mclauchlan
You are a star ⭐️
$51.88
Sarah Luinys
Love from Sarah, Aurelia and Clementine xo
$51.88
Jeff Tate
Don’t go as bald as me! Lovely cause and lots of love ❤️
$50
Milkstone Ltd
$52.75
Becca T
$52.75
Jessica Nelson
Hope to help you meet your goal in honor of your mom and brother.
$10.55
Gem
Big love to you ❤️ and what BEAUTIFUL hair it is. This will change lives!
$10.55
Anonymous
$18.99
Anonymous
As a fellow Jew, it is so inspiring and hopeful to see someone choose light over darkness. You use your platform as a voice, and light the ways for others to continue to give tzdekah in hopes of creating a better tomorrow. Your brother would be so proud. I am so proud. Thank you. You are loved and appreciated. I dont have alot of money to give, but I have $18. 18 = chai = life 🤍
$21
Nay Nay
We're all behind you and supporting you through this, my family to yours x
$31.65
Parveen Kohli
Sending so much love xxx x
$21.10
Jessie G-p
Wishing you luck with your fundraising! I also had to shave my own mother's hair when she went through chemo (I was 11) and I understand how complicated feelings can be about your own hair, but what you are doing is honourable and kind, and will undoubtedly make a life-changing difference to someone who needs it
$52.75
Dana Sacks
Stay strong, Shelley!
$105.50
Peter Nicholls
$520
Anonymous
Well done Shell
$26.38
James Livitski
$21.10
Martha Garza
Honored to contribute.
$10.55
Mykle
$21.10
Anonymous
$21.10
Julia Cherie
$251
Reliance Control Ltd
Glad to help a great cause
$52.75
Saras C
$207.50
Samantha Joksas
I am so onboard with you! I used to have hair down to my butt from Senior Kindergarten to 8th grade. I cut it to shoulder length my graduation day and although I had hoped to donate it at that time, it wasn’t enough. I still have my braided hair that was chopped off and I keep it in a keepsakes box. There is a lot of memories and weight that comes with hair growth, it is not easy to let go of.
$31.65
Dimitri
Let’s get past that $5k!
$52.75
Anonymous
$31.65
Nicole Shirko
My son has battled leukaemia from the age of 2. He’s cancer free now thank God. I really wanted to give back, I had a lot of great support from organisations that people donated to. Amazing that you are doing this.
$21.10
Richelle Dallas
$5.28
Anonymous
$21.10
Nella Cloud
$21.10
Anonymous
$27
Tasia
$52.75
Stavroula Kampa
Thank you for doing so much for people! You changed my life with your exchersise programms and now you are fighting for people who have cancer. Thank you so much!
$184.63
Adam Rimon
Yalla.. you did it.. Mazal... so proud of you.. huge Mitzvah
$52.75
Jo Lindenberg Hair
Proud of you❤️🙏
$26.38
Anonymous
$52.75
Tamra Williams
Absolutely awesome of you lovely! You should be so proud xxx
$26.38
Anonymous
$15.82
Simon Moores
$52.75
Jasmyn Good
My friends going through chemo and she loves her wig so I see the joy in what a selfless act can do for someone suffering with hairloss during the stressful time. She's doing really well and I'm so glad she's still here with us. And Id like to give a personal middle finger to the big C. It took my beautiful uncle and my son's grandfather. It takes so many sometimes so quickly. We had a month for from my uncles diagnosis until he parted this earth. I drove from Perth to Geraldton to say my goodbyes, and he sadly passed the next day. It was a gift to say how much I loved him. My cousin had leukaemia and a Tumor on his spine when he was 4 years old, he's a survivor and the trauma it put his family through was devastating but He came out on the other side. You're a legend love you Kane! All the best Shelley. Your a beautiful kind hearted person who's endured much but you still think of others. ♥️ J
$5.28
Louise
Well done Shelley!
$20
Sarah Simpson
I am so proud of you and I love you 💗
$52.75
Sophia & Bandit ♡
Sending love, Shelley! ♡
$21.10
Julie Graham
You're an inspiration Shelley. Delighted to support you. x
$15.56
Natalie Szeremenda
$10.55
Anonymous
$2.11
Asmita
$11.72
Heidi__rochelle
Love you Shelley
$52.75
Tal Sharon
Thinking of you Shelley and sending much love x
$201
Nic + Dan
Love you Shel ❤️❤️
$52.75
Donika
Dearest Shelly, Your witty videos always cheer me up and you have such a great heart. I wish you all the best always. Love, Donika
$21.10
Loredana Medrea
Amazing Work Shelley, you’re a genuine and kind human, I wish you all the best with your journey. Keep being real and telling it as it is. Healing energy to you and love to your angels.
$31.65
Matthew Rawsthorn
$10.55
Sarah M
Way to go, Shelley!
$50
T.
You are incredible! What an amazing way to honor both Batia and Danny ❤️🔥❤️🔥
$31.65
Anonymous
$180
Rimon Construction
Keep spreading the love and doing great things.. love you
$52.75
Ruth Worrall
How brave of you to cut your gorgeous hair. Your mother and brother would be proud of you.
$21.10
Carlie Tarawa
Thankyou Shelly for sharing your wealth of knowledge and encouragement, even when it was hard for you. I am a 42yr old mum of six who has just started up at the gym and I look like a lost puppy (more like a old crippled dog) and your genuine videos and post are a huge help. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou 😘
$52.75
Anonymous
Shelley you are amazing! I’ve been following you for many many years on YouTube and instagram. Your program is amazing and so is your book. You always have my 100% support in everything that you do! I hope this not only helps you but so many others in need. Will be watching the big chop on IG. Much love Stephanie
$211
Marcus Farmer
Great cause Shell
$105.50
Katie B
Sending love from Chicago.
$15
Matthew Burridge
$263.75
Sharon Appelman
I am very sorry for both losses, your mother and your brother. Wishing you strength.
$20.75
Joe Jayson
$10.10
Anonymous
$52.75
Orla Lonergan
Proud👑✨❤️
$26.38
Anonymous
In honor of your mom and brother ! Hope you will reach the goal of 5k.
$11
Kim Crawford
Thank you for donating ur beautifull hair shelley. Someone will have a beaming smile becausr of this🧡
$5.19
