It’s not too late to be brave and shave

The impact of blood cancer is immense for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. Alys Holz from the Leukaemia Foundation invites everyone to get involved even after the World’s Greatest Shave campaign.

The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave has already raised over $11 million this year to support Australian’s with blood cancer, and money is still coming in every day. Our national fundraising target is $20 million, so there is still a little way to go but we are definitely heading there.

The official Shave weekend was 13-16 March and it was huge for the Foundation! Thousands around Australia braved the shave, coloured their hair in outrageous colours and donated at events held by individuals, businesses, shopping centres, hairdressers, mine sites and community groups.

The World’s Greatest Shave is an iconic fundraising event, and over the 16 years since it began Shave has raised over $158 million to support Australian’s living with blood cancer. Those funds are channelled into practical support services (such as accommodation, transport and education) as well as funding vital blood cancer research. Although the event is a lot of fun, those involved understand the importance of the funds for a future without blood cancer.

Blood cancer can develop in anyone, at any time. With few clearly identified risk factors and sometimes no real warning, the impact is immense for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. This year 11,500 will receive the devastating news that they have been diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma joining the 50,000 Australian’s currently living with a blood cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for blood cancer can range from months to several years and generally lasts longer than treatment for other cancers. This can have a greater impact on relationships with others, education, career and financial security. Families can suddenly find themselves in crippling financial circumstances, especially if the person or their carer is also the major breadwinner.

With your help, the Leukaemia Foundation is able to lessen the impact of blood cancer. World’s Greatest Shave is the key way we raise the necessary funds, and the huge community support encourages patients to know that they are not alone in their cancer journey.

Shaves happen all year round, and we’d love to talk to you if you would like to get involved in the campaign. Call the team on 1800 500 088.

Donations can also be made via our website. To find out more about the work of the Leukaemia Foundation visit leukaemia.org.au.