WORLDS GREATEST SHAVE

WHAT: The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave began back in 1998 and today, is one of Australia’s biggest fundraising events! People get sponsored to shave or colour their hair. They look and feel amazing!

WHY: More than 12,000 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year – equivalent to 31 people every day. Money raised will be used by the Leukaemia Foundation to fund research to beat blood cancer, and provide free emotional and practical support to help Australian families.

WHO: More than 150,000 people from all walks of life will shave or colour their hair in 2015. Some will go it alone while others will get a team together. Schools across the country will get involved in ‘Funky Hair Day’ and there are special challenges for sectors like Mining and Energy.

WHEN: Most people will shave or colour March 12-15.

WHERE: Some organise a private event at home or work while others head to public events listed on worldsgreatestshave.com closer to the time.

HOW: Sign up now at worldsgreatestshave.com or 1800 500 088.

HOW IT HELPS 

The Leukaemia Foundation receives no ongoing government funding and relies heavily on the money

raised through World’s Greatest Shave to continue its work.

Vision to Cure – Research is making a difference. More than 80% of children survive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia today compared to just 20% a few decades ago. But there is more work to be done, because blood cancer claims a life every two hours in Australia. That’s why the Leukaemia Foundation invests millions of dollars each year in research to beat blood cancer.

Mission to Care – People with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders, need support. The Leukaemia Foundation provides emotional and practical support, including transport to and from hospital treatment and accommodation for regional families who need to relocate to the city during treatment. All services are provided absolutely free of charge – thanks to your support.

THE IMPACT OF BLOOD CANCER¹

• Today, 31 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma – equivalent to more than 12,000 people every year.
• Blood cancer and related blood disorders can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time. With few clearly identified risk factors and sometimes no real warning, the impact is immense for the person and their loved ones.
• In acute or aggressive cases, the person can require immediate and intensive treatment, often within 24 hours of diagnosis. For those living in regional areas, it means leaving work, school and family and relocating to the city, adding to the shock and emotional turmoil.
• 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 is also the major breadwinner.
• Treatment can be life-threatening and life-changing. Temporary side-effects like hair loss are common, but there can also be long-term effects, like being unable to have children later on.
• While decades of research have improved survival, sadly, not everyone survives. Blood cancer is the third biggest cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming the lives of more people each year than better-known cancers, like breast cancer and melanoma.
• As the Leukaemia Foundation’s major fundraiser, World’s Greatest Shave supporters play a vital role in helping us to reduce the impact of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma on Australian families through free services and funding vital research.

1 *Projections sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Estimates are calculated using actual diagnoses data collected from 2012 and annually prior to this year.

DID YOU KNOW?

As well as raising vital funds, shavees help to normalise baldness, one of the most common and often distressing side-effects of cancer treatment.

DID YOU KNOW?

Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia. It claims more lives than breast cancer and melanoma.