Hannah Cadzow, who battled cancer as a two-year-old, receives a hug from her Jindivick Primary School grade prep teacher Joan Price after shaving her head.
By Emma Ballingall
Warragul & Drouin Gazette
March 24, 2015
A year 12 student who had cancer as a child and a mother who watched her daughter beat leukaemia were among local residents joining the World's Greatest Shave.
Local participants raised thousands for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Cheers and hugs greeted six students of Marist-Sion College as they shaved long locks to raise more than $6000.
Year 12 student Hannah Cadzow will complete her schooling years the same way she started - with little hair.
Hannah, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer as a two-year-old, didn't have hair until she was five due to chemotherapy.
She joined the event in memory of cancer patients on her ward who died from leukaemia.
Thrilled with the donations, Hannah said she would get used to her new look.
"It's new, definitely new," she said.
Friend Chelsea Noske said Hannah was the instigator and inspiration for the group.
"I've wanted to do it for the past two years," said Chelsea. "It's just a good thing to do."
Shaye McNally and Georgia Gill gave the task of shaving their heads to their proud dads. James Hans was the fifth member of the year 12 group.
Year 11 student Lachlan Pyle shaved his shoulder-length hair at the same time, raising more than $1150.
Whilst not knowing anyone personally affected by leukaemia, Lachlan said he felt it was a worthy cause to support.
Warragul mother Beck Briggs was inspired by her daughter Talia's brave fight with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Talia was diagnosed in 2009 at just eight-years-old. After 10 months of treatment, she recently celebrated five years in remission.
Beck shaved her head outside Coles Warragul and was "stoked" to raise more than $2000, well above her initial aim of $400.
"I was sick of saying I will do it, so I'm doing it," said Beck. "I too know the journey and the resources that are needed to fight this disease. I also know how crucial money for research is. So here is my bit of giving back."
Beck said Talia was bald within four days of starting chemotherapy but five years on has "a big full head of hair".
Asked if she was nervous after the shave, Beck said "I'm alright, it's only hair".
"It's going to grow back," she added. "If I'm not happy, I'll buy a wig."
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