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Aussies get set for a hairy challenge

Announcement posted by Leukaemia Foundation Australia 15 Mar 2017

SYDNEY, Australia: March 15 2017: Today, The Leukaemia Foundation will be at the Martin Place Amphitheatre to kick off the World’s Greatest Shave with special guests including Waratah’s captain Michael Hooper and other players including Matt Lucas. 

Sydneysiders are being asked to accept the hairy challenge of getting sponsored to shave, cut, wax or colour their hair to help raise needed funds for residents in NSW fighting blood cancer.

“Every day, 35 Australians will be given the devastating news that they have leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and they’ll turn to the Leukaemia Foundation for help,” said Monique Cerreto at the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia.

“Getting sponsored to shave your hair is an extraordinary way to support them. The Foundation receives no ongoing government funding and the World’s Greatest Shave helps us fund urgent life-saving research and gives families the emotional and practical support they need, free of charge.
“When you’re healthy, it’s hard to understand the value of counselling, transport to and from chemotherapy, or being given a free place to stay during treatment if you come from outside city suburbs. But this support matters when you’re too sick to work, and financial and emotional stress levels are high,” she said.

World’s Greatest Shave is accessible to people of all ages and you don’t have to shave your head to join this iconic Australian event. 
“More than 150,000 people are expected to take part in World’s Greatest Shave from March 16-19 and they’ll do so at home, work, school and our public events,” Monique said.

“Shaving is what we’d love everyone to do, but people can colour their hair instead and guys can wax their legs or chest. We’re also asking men who are thinking about ditching their hipster beard or mo, to make the change while supporting a worthy cause.” Whether motivated by a personal connection or the desire to help others, people who shave also help to normalise baldness, one of the most distressing side-effects of cancer treatment.

“Shavers get to feel empathy with people who don’t get a choice to lose their hair. This is often described as an unexpected but powerfully life-changing experience by women. Sign up now at worldsgreatestshave.com or by calling 1800 500 088.

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About the Leukaemia Foundation 
The Leukaemia Foundation the only national charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. We want more people to survive a blood cancer diagnosis and go on to live a full life. We are committed to investing in research projects which focus on improving patient outcomes and providing free support programs which aim to reduce the emotional impact of a blood cancer diagnosis. For more information please visit http://www.leukaemia.org.au/or visit Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.