It's a stunning figure ... $6791. It's the total raised by St Clare's High School students and staff who took part in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave.
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Numerous individuals throughout the Manning region have taken part in the event that finances research into blood cancer and supports individuals and families with the cost challenges associated with treatment, travel and accommodation.
Blood cancer and related disorders can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time; it claims more lives than breast cancer and melanoma, and an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours. The Leukaemia Foundation's facts are shocking and it is when you put a face to the figures that the tragedy becomes a catalyst for community action, or student action when you look to St Clare's High School in Taree.
"I feel like I will regret it and there will be days when I won't want to leave the house, but I've got to keep reminding myself that I've got personal connections with people who have fought with cancer. I've just got to keep thinking of them and remember that I’m doing this to help people who are suffering."
It is a remarkable mindset for a 15-year-old girl and it inspired the community to give $3836.
Lachlan Shannon-Brown chose to lose his hair and eyebrows on March 14 to honour the memory of his best friend, Mitchell Luders who died from neuroblastoma in 2015. He raised $742.
“Although he was faced with cancer at the age of nine he never once complained. He was the kindest, bravest and most caring person you could ever meet.”
Lachlan was not alone on March 14 as staff rallied students to the school hall to watch Odin Augey lose his locks for $400, to see Joel Dark, Samuel Richardson and Macabe Grass wax their legs, and teacher Mrs Grant colour her hair and deputy principal Phil Gibney shave his head – the event raised $1812.
St Clare’s High School is cultivating a culture that encourages students to act when they see need; to embrace the experience of courageous choices, and to see the good that comes from leadership that is driven by example and action. It is to be applauded.
