Today, 53 Australians will hear the words “you have blood cancer”.
This includes leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. By 2035, that number is expected to double.
Today, The Leukaemia Foundation has praised the brave and remarkable Australians who will stand in solidarity with more than 135,000 people living with blood cancer by participating in the 25th anniversary of the much-loved and iconic World’s Greatest Shave.
‘Shave Week’ takes place across the country from March 15-19, and thousands of people will be shaving, cutting and colouring their locks to raise critical funds to support fellow Australians impacted by blood cancer.
With blood cancer incidence continuing to rise, Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said people with blood cancer need support now more than ever.
“I want to thank each and every person who has signed up so far to World’s Greatest Shave to make it their mission to beat blood cancer,” Mr Tanti said.
“There’s still time to register to be a part of this year’s celebration, and by getting involved, you are ensuring blood cancer patients have access to the right information, support and care they need to fight their disease as well as someone to turn to every step of the way.
“More than two million people have sacrificed their hair, or donated to someone who has, over the last 25 years.
“We’ve seen heads shaved in all sorts of places across Australia, including in helicopters, state parliament, shearing sheds, and while rock climbing.
“One brave participant even did it at the top of Mount Everest!” Mr Tanti added.
Hundreds of well-known Australians have also bravely shaved, cut or coloured their hair, including Kerrie-Anne Kennerley, Steve Irwin with his family, Tex Walker, Shane Crawford, Meshel Laurie, Radio B105’s Abby Coleman, The Bachelor’s Dr Matt Agnew, Survivor Star Johnny Eastoe, Andrew Symonds, ABC’s Paul Kennedy and The Block’s ‘Block heads’ Steve O’Donnell and Chantelle Ford.
This year, more famous faces are throwing their support behind World’s Greatest Shave to help raise funds for people affected by blood cancer, including the Cronulla Sharks’ prop Toby Rudolph, Sydney FC’s Luke Brattan and Pat Wood, as well as Lachy Mansell from ‘Beauty and the Geek’.
World’s Greatest Shave is the single biggest source of funds that enables the work of The Leukaemia Foundation each year.
Not only does the money raised support families impacted by blood cancer, but it also helps brilliant research scientists continue their search for better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer more effectively.
The Leukaemia Foundation is asking Australians to dig deep this year and support their loved ones and communities impacted by blood cancer by heading to worldsgreatestshave.com to sign up or donate.
“We know many are already doing it tough due to the rising cost of living,” Mr Tanti added.
“A blood cancer diagnosis on top of this is putting a huge financial strain on thousands of Australians and their loved ones. People with blood cancer need us now more than ever.
“On the 25th year anniversary of our beloved campaign, we’re thrilled and extremely grateful that the national community is continuing to show up, support, and celebrate the World’s Greatest Shave.”
To sign up or to donate, please visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.
#WorldsGreatestShave #ShaveForACure #bloodcancer #leukaemiafoundation
