The Skyliner

Issue date: 10/31/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Ryan Stone/The Skyliner

Media Credit: Ryan Stone/The Skyliner

Kayla Bryant
Editor-in-Chief


Karalee Dreyfus returned from her Spring Break last year to devastating news; she had cancer and she would need immediate treatment. One of the evident effects of the treatment was Dreyfus' loss of hair.

"Losing your hair is something that is hard to explain unless you experience it yourself. For some, it can be emotionally feel like you've lost a limb. Though I felt God's strength in me throughout the whole cancer process, seeing my hair fall out in the shower, onto my pillow, everywhere was hard. I even ended up getting my head shaved because I was tired of losing it! Most cancer patients will have to deal with hair loss," said Dreyfus, junior Christian studies.

Knowing the three options cancer patients face when the loss of hair is inevitable (going bald, wearing a wig or wearing a hat or a scarf), Dreyfus created an outlet of support, both physical and emotional, for the people she could relate with; she began a hat drive.

"Anyone can donate a hat. Kids can even help. I wanted to do something in which everyone can take part," said Dreyfus.

Using the hat drive as part of her platform "Making the Journey Joyful: Bringing Hope to Cancer Patients One Hat at a Time" for the upcoming Miss North Greenville pageant, Dreyfus has been able to involve anyone in her cause and make others aware of how to support those dealing with cancer.

"My platform is much more involved than just having people donate hats. As a cancer patient myself, I have become aware of how much people and their sincere support really meant to me. My platform is not about hats; it is about people. As Christians, we are called to minister to people spiritually and physically," said Dreyfus.

North Greenville will begin an organization called Colleges Against Cancer (CAC), which everyone will be welcome to join. North Greenville also participates in Relay for Life.

"My form of cancer isn't one where people necessarily die from it. I am very thankful for that, however, cancer in general in scary. We all take life for granted. I will never forget how my heart felt when the man died in the room next to me where I get my chemotherapy. We are just a speck of dust in the lapse of time. Yet, Christ has brought us His message to share with others so that He can be all the more glorified," said Dreyfus.

Dreyfus finished chemotherapy in August and went for her last exam a week ago. She will find out if she is in official remission or not by Friday, Nov. 3.

Keisha Tinsley, staff writer, provided information for this article.

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