"It's no secret that a good ‘hair day' can make you feel confident, beautiful and ready to take on the world! In fact throughout history hair has played a role in signifying status, power, and human relationships. Today more than ever, our visit to the hairdresser, speaks volumes to who we are and how we express ourselves."
Imagine for a minute, what losing all your hair as a side effect of chemotherapy could do to the confidence and self-image of people battling cancer.
Australian charity, The World's Greatest Shave, encourage Aussie's to get sponsored to shave or colour their hair and support the 35 Australians who will be told today they have a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The brave participants not only experience a little firsthand empathy but raise the vital funds needed for the practical and emotional support of patients.
Kelley Bennett, who works at our Gosford campus, is one of the brave souls getting ready to shave her locks off this week. Kelley said, that participating in the World's Greatest Shave, was the least she could do to support her friends and family.
"Shaving my hair for the Leukaemia Foundation is such a small act, but at the same time it can make a difference and mean the world to someone else!"
"I've been thinking about signing up for a number of years. In the last 12 months, we lost a close family friend to cancer, and then my beloved dog "Jimmy Choo". Just as I was starting to deal with these losses, we received news that three other great people in our lives were diagnosed with a blood cancer.
"One of these great people is my sister-in-law. While talking to her about her treatment plan, I realised how powerless I felt, and when she asked me the question "why me" it got me thinking. I thought if I can't give her an answer, I could at least show my support by raising money and shaving my hair!"
"When I went to visit her to tell her my news, she started to laugh and cry at the same time. It was a bitter-sweet moment and I knew how much it meant to her to feel that support. For me it was the realisation that having a bald head for a short amount of time is such a small act, in comparison to living with cancer"
Now in its 20 th year, The World's Greatest Shave, is turning green by partnering with Sustainable Salons Australia. All hair clippings and dyed hair will now be transformed into compost and floating hair booms to absorb oil spills at sea.
We're excited to be following Kelley on her journey and look forward to seeing the new do. Please support Kelley by making a donation to help find a cure for blood cancers.