KKMP goes bald to raise money, awareness of childhood cancer

The stage at the 2012 Marianas March Against Cancer was transformed into a barbershop Friday night as management and staff of radio station KKMP had their heads shaved for their “Be Bold, Go Bald” campaign after exceeding their goal to raise $1,440 for cancer research for children.

Bald was certainly beautiful for the seven who were inspired by family members and friends who have battled, are still undergoing treatment, or have passed on due to cancer, letting chunks of their hair pile up on the floor for a good cause.

A title sponsor for the largest cancer fundraising event each year, KKMP launched its “Be Bold, Go Bald” campaign to raise at least $1,440 by accepting pledges through its radiothon aired on 1440AM and 92.1FM.

The amount reached close to $2,000 and the KKMP team kept their word and went bald before thousands of spectators at the event, which was aired live.

First on the head-shaving block of Pena House Salon volunteer Chona Bringas was Gordon Marciano or DJ Big Daddy G, followed by Herb Sablan, Gary Sword, and his wife Rosemond Santos.

“What we’re doing is really nothing compared to what these kids have to go through,” said Santos. “There are miracles and that’s what we hope to symbolize tonight.”

Joining the KKMP team on stage were at least three more individuals, including Vicenta Teregeyo of Kagman III, who wiped tears as the electric razor slowly sheared her short white hair.

Teregeyo, who was cheered by family members, said in an interview afterwards that she dedicates her going bald to her four siblings, all of whom died due to the deadly disease.

“They know I’m crazy that I’m doing it for them,” said Teregeyo, laughing softly.

Teregeyo said it was her faith as a Christian that helped her through her siblings’ deaths, which she still mourns up to now.

“For the people that are still alive now, they have to go and face God. Ask God for forgiveness, for them to forgive people, and to forgive themselves,” she said.

KKMP’s Santos, who will donate her hip-length hair to the non-profit group Wigs for Kids, dedicated her head-shaving effort to family members battling or have passed on because of cancer, including her father Jose T. Santos who died in 2005, and her uncle Thomas J. Camacho who is still undergoing treatment.

“This was something I’ve always wanted to do for a very long time,” Santos told Saipan Tribune. “I didn’t know when the right time was and this year, not knowing that this was the 10th year of MMAC, we just decided to join in the effort to bring about awareness.”

While she was surprised that others joined them in the campaign, Santos underscored that “love knows no boundaries.”

Camacho, Santos’ uncle, said he was very touched by the gesture. In October 2011, Camacho was diagnosed with colorectal cancer that metastasized to his liver. He is currently undergoing treatment. He encouraged those who are battling cancer to have trust and faith in God and to maintain a healthy lifestyle by having proper diet and doing exercise.

“Just keep the spirit up. That’s what counts. Enjoy life everyday as it passes by,” added Camacho.

Sword, for his part, thanked all those who donated to the cause. The proceeds, he said, will be endorsed to the MMAC committee after they collect all the pledges. Sword commended the MMAC committee and the entire community who all came together to support the battle against cancer.

“This is the first time that it’s been done and we’re very glad to be the frontrunner in this,” said Sword about the head-shaving campaign, adding that they expect to be back next year.