I'm raising money to help relieve the financial burden from families that have a child being treated for a cancer diagnosis.
For about two years, I’ve been growing my hair to donate it for an amazing cause. Now, my hair grows at roughly the speed of pigeon mail, so this has taken a LOT of patience! But after what feels like forever, it’s finally long enough for the chop.
I’m cutting my hair to help support children with cancer. The funds raised will help create bespoke wigs for children, provide much-needed financial support to families, and fund important programs in paediatric oncology hospitals across Australia.
Every dollar makes a difference, and your donation will be deeply appreciated.
And before anyone asks, no, I won't be fully twinning with my brother 
— I'm opting for a shoulder-length bob!
Thank you for cheering me on and supporting this fundraiser. It means so much to me, the children and families this supports, and my very slow-growing head of hair. 
My Achievements
Updated Profile Picture
50% of Fundraising Goal
100% of Fundraising Goal
Self Donated
Shared Page
Added Blog Post
Thanked Donor
Sent Email
Received 5 donations
My Updates
Life's too short, and now so is my hair!
Saturday 11th Jul
I've had the chop! Nearly 30 cm-the patience paid off. My beautiful mother-in-law patiently cut and styled my hair, thank you.
A few have asked what I felt during the cut and afterwards. To answer, it kind of felt like a quiet transformation, with a lot of inner acknowledgement of both the joys and the hardships that have impacted my life, and, wondering with excitement who this new Tahereh is becoming and how she will show up in the world?
My kids, of course, have lovingly decided I now look like a "Karen"... 😂 Hubby said it looks better than he expected and that I looked cute, and as for me…I feel a little like a toddler with a longer bowl cut, but on the plus side, it is a lot easier to wash and care for. I am grateful for their love and for continually showing up for me.
So, what does it feel like after the chop? Well, let's start with this: Life Is Complex. Not as simple as black or white, or as binary as 0 or 1. We don't always understand why things happen, especially when they unfold so differently from what we had hoped. No one understands this more than the children and families facing the unimaginable reality of cancer, who somehow continue with extraordinary courage, hope and love. They are a real example to us all.
Over the years, I have come to believe a few things. They are lessons paid for by experience. I once heard that the ticket price for growth is tests and difficulties. Can I take you to a window-shopping tour of what resides in my heart and brain? Haha. Note: Below is AI free ground.
Firstly, you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. Earlier in this blog series, I said we should “break bread” with your past selves, to give yourself the same compassion you give to others, because all of what happened has shaped who you are today. I find that compassion and courage can go hand in hand, but I’m learning that courage isn't always about persevering. Sometimes courage and self-compassion mean choosing to walk through another door when one is closed. You’ve worn thatlayered metal armour for too long, courage is also knowing it’s ok to show the real you. It really is ok. I’m a dork, who dances weird, loves art, animals, nature, words, maths, people, the All Blacks, and says the wrong things many times, BUT... I see the light in you and I honour it. I am learning to honour me too.
Every morning that you get to open your pretty eyes is a new chance to love more deeply, to forgive more freely, and to become a little more of the person you are meant to be. What matters is who we choose to become when life offers us another chance.
Try and pause to breathe in the scent of the roses. Ride the waves. Run with the wind. Play in the fields. Smile in the rain. Dance. Life becomes more beautiful when we choose to notice its beauty. And there is so much joy all around you. Hold tightly to what is good and let difficulties be a silent teacher. Remember to hold on to people who also want to hold on to you.
Apart from numbers, I also love art (I really should visit the NSW Art Gallery more often-did you know it is 2 for 1 at the moment? Wednesday nights are amazing) and the quiet hall of words which stay with you, like this poem by Rumi: “I said: "What about my eyes?" He said: "Keep them on the road." I said: "What about my passion?" He said: "Keep it burning." I said: "What about my heart?" He said: "Tell me what you hold inside it." I said: "Pain and sorrow." He said: "Stay with it. The wound is the place where the Light enters you."
What does this poem speak to me about? Hope. Because our wounds are not the end of our story. They can become the place where you grow: more courage, more love, more strength, more peace, greater boldness, more trust, more truth, more respect and more wisdom.
So, what does this bowl-cut Karen, sorry, Tahereh make of all of these? I am coming to understand that “Becoming” isn't about changing who we are, but having the courage to become more fully who we were created to be.
The grace of God is present everywhere, especially within you. So, it is never too late to begin again, to continue becoming. Take courage. Stand tall. Build it. Be kind to others and to yourself.
You are more loved, and more worthy, than you know.
PS. Photos attached for your amusement of my Karen hair. I am incredibly grateful to Kids with Cancer for giving me the opportunity to be of service. Thank you for the impactful work you do.
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Happy Friyay!
Friday 3rd JulIt is Friday night, the moon is out, and I'm feeling a little contemplative. I'm grateful to be able to express it all in this blog.
When I decided back in January 2024 to grow my hair for donation, I had no idea what the next two and a half years would hold.
In that time, friends and family have been diagnosed with cancer, a friend's mum, a friend's brother, and relatives and friends have passed away from cancer, I had my own scare, and life has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined. I've often heard "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." It always makes me smile because life really does have a way of surprising us.
Looking back, there are things I wish I'd done differently. There are things I'd love to change. But I also know I did the best I could with what I knew at the time... and, little by little, day by day, you make peace with that and keep learning. I also won’t forget to collect all the little joys along the way, there’s been plenty to laugh and smile about.
A few people have called me brave. Honestly, I don't think donating my hair is especially brave, it's just hair. (And despite many suggestions to twin with my brother, I won't be going for the pixie cut!!)
But, I have been thinking about what courage really is. I don't think courage is the absence of fear. I think it is choosing to take the next step, or speaking up, even when fear is sitting close beside you, whispering in your ear.
I memorised these words many years ago without fully understanding them"Love can never dwell in a heart possessed by fear."
I'm still learning what they mean, but I think, in this little/not so little time I've been on earth, love asks us to trust a little more, let go a little more, and keep choosing kindness over fear.
The support, generosity and encouragement I've received have been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared my fundraiser, or simply sent a kind message. You've reminded me that kindness, even if it is a noun, it is really a verb.
Last thing to say for this blog update-I've also been learning that kindness doesn't ask us to forget ourselves. It means treating others with compassion while offering ourselves that very same compassion, and I think we could all use a little more of both.
See you on the other side of Monday..with a new bob.
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Nearly time
Wednesday 24th JunFirst hair donation and now first blog…
You know, I have read a fair few articles calling out AI narration, and I admit I have used it a few times for professional write-ups. But, I have used em-dashes for as long as I have picked up a pencil, without even knowing what they were called, and I have written, edited, trashed, re-written, edited, changed my mind, started again, paused, re-written, many, many posts - from FB to whattsapp messages.
So, directly conveyed - this post, is AI free.
Firstly, thank you for taking time to view this page, encouraging me, either through a donation or a kind thought.
Kids should experience a childhood full of wonder. Days full of bug hunting, star gazing, wave jumping, mess making and silly smiles, and when cancer hits, it instead clouds their days with anxiety and tests. This organisation lovingly provides hope, to the kids going through the big C and their heartbroken families. So, you’ve added to the hope jar stored in their cupboard, Thank you.
I love numbers and patterns, my brain seems to look for them, even when I am not looking, so in line with this love for numbers, I have chosen 7pm, 7 July 2026 for the big cut (get it? 07.07 haha!)
Now, in case I never have an opportunity to publish again, I hope it is okay that I turn to you to say something? (and really, to the 7,15, 30, and 40+ year old me).
We are always working our butt off to do the right thing, and often you put yourself last, and swallow the hurt, but that invisible tungsten rod, sourced from some invisible fire, gives us the strength to stand oak tall.
So to you, who has taken the time to read this, this is for you.
In between the inhale and exhale of life’s heartbreaks, and the stolen moments of quiet introspection, may you, every day, hasten to learn to accept and love yourself.
Remember to offer yourself the same grace that you give to others.
Break bread with your past lives - they brought you here, and look how mighty you are.
May we be brave in our actions so that we demonstrate love, so that all those loving and kind thoughts find expression, a connection, because at the end of it all, we need each other.
So be kind, to yourself, and to others and be generous in love.
I may not always say it, but I see your kindness, and it is always appreciated. It is a perfume that will never lose its scent.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$215
William Thomas
$162.75
Gavin Martyn
$162.75
Billy Cobbe
Hi Tahereh, Well done but you'd raise more money if you shaved your head :) Cheers Billy
$150
Andreina Xx
Good on you!!!! So proud of you!!!
$109
Arash Oskooi
Very proud to support my wonderful wife and her initiative. Thanks to her many amazing friends, family and coworkers who supported her and more importantly the raising of funds for cancer. Hope your hair finds a good home. Love you.
$106.12
Raylee Ham
You are amazing xxx What a fabulous contribution 👏 Love you heaps ❤️
$106.12
Harshita Sah
Commendable job Tah. You have such a kind heart. All the best!
$103.72
Rosario
Good job, daughter! Am proud of you.
$100
Anonymous
$100
Sohail & Amelia
Your spirit of generosity is an example to us all
$72
Michelle Gold
Well done Tah! You are amazing!
$57.14
Suse
What a beautiful thing you are doing T. xxx
$55.50
John Luscombe
You are such a kind person Tahereh. Good on you for doing this.
$54.84
Cassandre Khoury
$54.84
Melinda O'connell
$54.84
Jenny O'shea
Well done Tah - you have great heart ♥️
$54.84
Bee Sim
Good on you T! 👏 👏 What a worthy cause to support and cant wait to see you in your new rocking hair style ! xx
$54.84
Phyllis
You are a beautiful soul!
$54.84
Leonie
What a great thing to do..
$54.84
Linda Tebyanian
Tahereh joon, what an incredible cause you support. You are always so kind and caring, helping everyone. It’s of love
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.84
Ambar Sidhwani
Let’s go Tahereh Let’s Go 👏🏼👏🏼 Well done on smashing your goal.
$54.84
Farkhondeh
Great job TaTa!🙏
$54.84
Todd Prees
Love your heart - thank you for being such a kind and inspiring human being!
$54.84
Karen Gravas
What a beautiful cause Tahereh
$54.84
Yoshika Anekawa
$54.84
Leann Yuen
What a fab cause Tahereh!!
$54.84
Brett & Vanessa
$54.84
Sahba
Love your sweet soul 🥰
$54.84
Solmaz Aghdam
What a beautiful thing to do Tahereh joon❤️❤️
$54.84
Jo Telfer
$54.84
Vanessa And Brett
Nice haircut and great work Tahereh! You are too good and we need more people like you in the world xo
$54.84
Gabteam
Many blessings your way to a dear friend. Let your heart continue to burn with loving kindness.
$54.84
Fay
I wish we had more people like you in the world. Love you
$54.84
Mary
$54.24
Michelle Garcia
Wonderful and kind as always Tahereh. We appreciate all you do xx
$51
Anurag Todkar
So Proud of you and best luck
$50
Alice Dang
What a beautiful cause Tahereh xxx
$50
Tahereh Oskooi
Thank you dear friends and family for your kind support and thoughtful words. You've helped support a truly amazing organisation.
$50
Nassim Taeidi
You are an amazing woman ♥️
$50
Anonymous
$50
Manijeh
Dear Tahereh wishing you all the best with this amazing fundraiser for children and families affected by cancer.
$39.32
Milena
You are amazing! Good on you for supporting such a great cause x
$33.87
Kylie Roberts
Good on you! Such a great cause.
$33.87
Malyn
You are awesome! You and your hair are such a gift x
$33.87
Ash Samimi
Thanks for making a difference!
$33.87
Jen
You have a biggest heart Tata ! Well done. So proud of you ❤️
$30.50
M Carney
What a great effort - well done Tahereh!
$28.43
Katherine Barkhan
Well done on this beautiful gesture. Very inspirational.
$28.43
Valerie Lim
You go girl!
$25
Steph And Charlie Bultitude
Go Tahereh! Well done on your drive and dedication to making a difference.
$23.50
Jocelyn Caddy
$23.50
Marie Dubuisson
Good on Tah
$23.50
Barbara Ruicens
What a fantastic thing to do!! :)
$23.50
Sushila Kc
You’re amazingly amazing Tahreh, with a very kind. Heart.
$23.50
Kalyani Pal
Great cause Tahereh!! All the best !!
$23.50
Stephanie Hunt
Amazing effort Tahereh. Can’t wait to see you after “the chop” xx
$23.50
Jae Eddison
It's inspiring to see how much energy you've put into this xxx
$23.50
Anonymous
Love those beautiful locks of shiny dark hair 🥰
$23.50
Jodie
Great cause, Tuk! Good on you!
$23.50
Fiona Hewish
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
$23.02
Ange Mansfield
You’re the loveliest! Good on you x
$23.02
Lauren Bailey
$11.80
One Of Your Colleagues And Biggest Fans
$11.80
Elizabeth Daley
$11.80
Sara Mapusua
Great work.
$9
Xavier And Adam !
Even though you look like a Karen who wants to see the hotel manager with your new haircut, we love you and are proud of you Mum (via Arash). $9 for you because we know you like the number 9.
Beautiful thought