Login
Login

Shayna Shaves for Suicide Prevention

By Shayna Fernando

A little over 6 years ago, my little sister Jemma took her own life - and my whole world crumbled around me. A teacher, unable to teach. Not long married, unable to look after myself, let alone be there for my husband. The 'bubbly girl' admitted to hospital, for my own mental health - in a hole, I didn't know that I would get out of. 

Trying to make sure my family was okay...that I was okay...my hair began to change. It fell out, lost its curl...became really thin. REALLY thin. 

In the years since, I've tried everything to bring it back to life. Along the way, someone told me that hair has memory...and that's what it feels like. And for me, shaving my hair...feels like a fresh start. A promise to my sister that I will choose something else. That I will LIVE. Completely. Happy. Loving her. Always. 

I wasn't able to help my sister in time. 
But every day, I'm choosing things to keep myself from travelling that same path. 

And if by doing this, I can contribute to someone else, fighting that same battle - feeling like they're alone - then I'm there. Regardless of what anyone else thinks. 

It's taken me 3 years, but finally, I'm ready!
I love you Jem.

Heres to new beginnings!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$2,104

My Goal

$500

Select amount to donate

$39
$50
$100
$
Donate
By clicking ‘Donate Now’, you confirm that you have read and agree to Lifeline Australia’s privacy policy.

My Achievements

My Updates

Why?...



I want to do something incredible. Be something special...that only I can be. I don't know what that looks like...but I know what it feels like...

And this choice, feels like that!

For 3 years, the idea has bounced around in my head. Worried about what other people might think. 

I know what Jem would tell me to do...and finally, I'm doing it. For me. And for the millions of people fighting a daily battle, I now understand far too deeply. Reminding them, they are never, ever alone. 


***

Thank you to my Sponsors

$323.64

Anonymous

$208.80

Gail Ellis

I don't know you personally but you are an amazing person....

$104.40

Kathie & Colin Long

Thank you for sharing this special day with so many. xx

$104.40

Ellen Coleman

$100

Robyn Gray

$58.46

Michelle Baumgartner

So proud of you beauty and I absolutely know that Jem is busting with pride for you too. Love you! Bam! Reached your goal xx

$52.20

Catharyn O’brien

Thanks for all the wonderful support you do. I too lost a loved one to suicide - 7 years now, but whilst we learn how to cope, the pain doesn’t go away. Thank you!

$52.20

Helen H

Awesome job Shayna!

$52.20

Pauline Cosby

Big hugs to you Shayna, you are incredible and I know how proud Jem would be. Big love xoxo

$52.20

Linda Lester

In memory of your darling Jemma and in honour of your courage, love and light every day, beautiful Shayna.

$52.20

Danni

You got this lady!! So proud of you.

$52.20

Jennifer Stenzel

Inspiring

$52.20

Jacque Armstrong

Shine bright beautiful lady. Thank you for all you are doing to bring an awareness to a very real problem and the impact it is having on loved ones. RIP Jem and Johnny (12/06/2021) Born to eternal life

$50

Sally Ortega

Your sister would be so proud of you 💗

$34.45

Emma Mogg

So proud of you lovely

$26.10

Sue

You are amazing !!!

$26.10

Jessie Jackson

$26.10

Shayna Fernando

$26.10

Steph W

This such a wonderful thing you are doing for a great cause. So proud of you my friend x

$26.10

K Matthey

Shayna - you inspire so many around you, every single day, just by being the beautiful, brave, vulnerable, raw YOU! This is an amazing thing you’re doing and your sister would be incredibly proud of you- as are we! 😘

$26.10

Tracey Harris

Sending love and hope 😊 x

$26.10

Tracy Howlett

You are such an inspiration Shayna. Never give up, never give in and always be you.

$26.10

Katie Felstead

Love your work Shayna! You are always pushing yourself to reach new limits. Amazing and inspiring!

$26.10

Kylie

Amazingly inspirational Shayna! Xo

$26.10

Michelle Just

$26.10

Donna Willard

Your a beautiful person inside and out. XXX

$26.10

Emma Bruce

$26.10

Casandra Reich

🌹

$26.10

Rebekah Nolan

$26.10

Robi Samios

What a wonderful woman you are Sharna xx your determination and actions are amazing ❤️

$26.10

Emily Nichols

$26.10

Tannille Graham

You are such an inspiration and your positivity has radiated so far and wide and your smile has changed my entire outlook! Keep being amazing!

$26.10

Suzanne Clarke

Shayna, I see you as a beautiful human who has chosen to live your best life, never an easy path but how extraordinary you are and life is. Go Girl!

$26.10

Ben Collier

You are a beautiful and amazing human! Big hugs!

$26.10

Stacie B

So proud of you Shayna ❤️

$26.10

Michelle

Good on ya beautiful lady! I admire you from a far x

$26.10

Linda Parkinson

I sincerely admire your courage! Well done 😘

$25

Ruth Hughes

❤

$25

Lacey Blackman

You are a strong, courageous and inspiring woman ❤️ I’m really proud of you!

$20.88

Lorissa Harrison

Amazing! Shine bright.

$20.88

Catherine Neale

I don't know you Shayna but Thank You for doing this for a cause that impacts so many families.🌹

$20.88

Jenelle Kerr

$20.88

Lana Merry

$15.66

Nicole Impey

You’ll rock that shaved head Shayna & make your sister proud!

$10.44

Samantha Eggleton

$10.44

Ardwell Cottage

♥️

$10

Heather Carmichael