The theme for this year's Wollongong Relay for Life is 'Make the Change' and Stephanie Luo is preparing to do just that.
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The 19-year-old Lake Illawarra resident will say goodbye to her long, black hair when it's chopped off on stage at the event, and then donated to charity.
The University of Wollongong student said while she's nervous about losing her hair - it's nothing compared to those who lose it due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions.
"I've been thinking about donating my hair for a while to be made into wigs for those battling cancer and other illnesses," Ms Luo said.
"So Relay for Life seemed like a perfect opportunity to join others on stage who are shaving or cutting their hair."
The civil engineering student and six of her uni friends will take part in this Saturday's Relay, under the group name One Team, One Mission.
They're already nearly halfway towards their fundraising goal of $2000 and can't wait to hit the Kerryn McCann Athletic Track at Beaton Park at 9am.
"My friends that I have met at university have had immediate family who have been touched by cancer, and I guess that really just made it hit home, because you never know when and who it might happen to," Ms Luo said. "So it's important for me to support this cause."
So far around 70 teams - and almost 500 individuals - have signed up for the 19th annual Wollongong Relay.
The fundraising goal this year is $150,000 and already $80,000 has been raised for Cancer Council's research, prevention and support services in the region.
Cancer Council's southern region spokeswoman Sari Boschiero said this year a new 12-hour format was being trialed in Wollongong.
"The theme 'Make a Change' ties in with the event's change this year from a 24-hour to a 12-hour format, running from 9am to 9pm this Saturday," she said.
"We've had a lot of positive feedback about the change, which came about due to a community survey. People wanted to see all the fun and energy put into one family day out.
"The theme is also about encouraging individuals to make positive changes in their lives - such as quitting smoking or increasing physical activity - to reduce the risk, or impact, of cancer."
Ms Boschiero said people could register online, and on the day of the event which will include rides, live entertainment and food stalls.
"Wollongong Relay is an experience that will stay with you forever. We host activities designed to celebrate cancer survivors and recognise their carers," she said.
"We honour those we've lost during our candlelight ceremony, and we continue to raise funds to support people affected by cancer, fund research and improve cancer prevention."
Register at www.cancercouncil.org.au/wollongongrelay
