Each day, 35 Australians are told they have blood cancer.
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It’s the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma.
But you never think it would happen to you, as seven-year-old leukaemia patient Kane Ransom’s dad, Brendan, says.
“It was devastating,” Mr Ransom said of finding out his boy Kane, then 3, had been diagnosed.
“Nothing really prepares you for hearing those words that your child has got cancer.”
“It shattered our world,” his wife, Natalie, added.
Their boy beat the disease and for 18 months, lived cancer free. But in November, he relapsed.
It has reduced his chance of being cured to between 40 and 60 per cent.
“But we’ve got some positive responses from treatment,” Mr Ransom said on Friday as the family watched Kane’s teacher from last year, Sue McGregor, shave her head at Waratah Public School’s assembly.
Ms McGregor took on the World’s Greatest Shave in support of Kane, and other friends and family who have battled cancer.
The Leukaemia Foundation event is celebrating its 20th year in Australia, having grown into one of the most recognisable annual fundraising campaigns.
People will shave or colour their hair across Australia in support of those diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Funds raised go to practical and emotional support for diagnosed families, as well as research into blood cancer and related disorders.
Ms McGregor said she was apprehensive before loosing her locks.
“I’m very nervous, I’ve got butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach,” she said before the cut.
“I’ve always been a long-haired girl.
“My friend said I might look like Demi Moore as GI Jane… Hopefully I’ll rock the look.”
Waratah Public held a ‘crazy hair day’ to help Ms McGregor’s donations reach over $3,000.
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