Nurses at Shoalhaven Hospital have raised more than $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
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The national campaign, now Australia’s biggest fundraising event, raises money for families facing blood cancer, to help Australians survive their blood cancer and live a better quality of life and fund vital research.
“I’ve always wanted to do it,” registered nurse Pauline Sheppard said.
“I’ve looked after kids at the Children’s Hospital and I’ve had relatives die from cancer, so it’s not just about Leukaemia, it’s about cancer and recognising what people go through also.”
Jessica Mathie, also a registered nurse at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, said the group had raised $5290 prior to lopping their locks.
“”This is the first time we have done it, Pauline spearheaded it and we picked it up and ran with it as a group,” she said.
FACTS
- Leukaemia,lymphoma and myeloma are types of blood cancer. They can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time.
- More than 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancer or related disorders, and every day another 35 people will be diagnosed.
- Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia,claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma.
- Although research is improving survival, sadly an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours.
Nowra’s Karen Ralph also shaved her head for the cause, alongside the two nurses.
“I am nervous about shaving my head, but I’m also very proud that we can do this,” she said.