A SEA of yellow greeted Caitlin Yem as she entered the multipurpose hall at Sts Peter and Paul’s School, Bulimba, on September 17.
The brave 11-year-old was about to lose her “beautiful” long hair.
However, it was for a cause close to Caitlin’s heart, the Kids Cancer Project.
To support Caitlin and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month the school held a Yellow Day, with all money raised going to the Kids Cancer Project.
Caitlin, who has already raised more than $32,000 for the project, knows first-hand what it means to battle cancer.
She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2011, but was now in remission.
Like most people, she lost her hair while receiving chemotherapy.
Caitlin said she decided to “lose” her hair, which she had been growing for two years, again as she wanted to help find a cure for cancer.
“It was scary at first, but when I saw all those people supporting me as my hair fell around me I knew it was all worthwhile,” she said.
“It felt nice and I felt so lucky because you know you are trying to do something good to help others.”
Caitlin said it would be great to see more being done for research into finding cures for cancer that affected younger people.
Caitlin’s mother Gina said Caitlin was “amazingly” brave for shaving her hair.
“It was all her own idea and she never once wanted to pull out of doing it,” she said.
“She went through a very tough time but came through with a smile on her face and a determination to help others going through the same thing.”
Sts Peter and Paul’s School, principal Good Samaritan Sister Ann-Maree Nicholls said Caitlin’s strength was an inspiration to all at the school.
