On Easter Saturday ten years ago, my grandma was diagnosed with leukaemia. I remember the day so clearly – we were having a family breakfast at my grandma and grandpas house when she passed out. She hadn’t been sick or anything but the ambulance came and rushed her to hospital.
They performed tests and that’s when we realised she had leukaemia. Being just 10 years old, it was really shocking.
I remember wanting to go to the hospital everyday just to visit her. When her hair started to fall out, mum and I went to the hospital to shave her head to make her feel better.
I remember being really scared, not being sure how she’d pull through. She was crying all the time and then one day, she switched her attitude. She became really positive and then, she pulled through.
She’s now in her 10th year of remission which is quite a milestone.
And this year, I celebrate my own milestone – my 21st birthday on the 1st of May.
So to celebrate, I thought I’d shave my head for cancer.
Ali with her cousin Maddie at a Bake Sale.
For years, my family has been heavily involved with the leukaemia foundation and we take part in events like Light the Night in Geelong but I thought this year, I’d take it a step further.
My goal is to raise $20, 000 and I’m slowly getting there.
At the start, I wasn’t scared at all about shaving my head but now the closer I get to it, I’m getting a bit freaked out.
I’ll be shaving my head at my old school in Geelong on their Founders Day. They’re holding a massive carnival and the students will be encouraged to colour their hair and bring a gold coin donation.
Initially, I wanted my grandma to shave my head but because I want to donate my hair to make a wig, I need a professional to do it.
But my grandma is going to be there by my side.
Ali with her grandma Barb.
She honestly can’t stop thanking me. She’s always going on that I’m her favourite grandchild!
We fundraise everyday together whether it’s down at the local coffee shop or even just baking around the house.
She’s over the moon.
To donate to Ali’s shave, click here.
The World’s Greatest Shave began in 1998 and is one of Australia’s biggest fundraising events. More than 12,000 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year – equivalent to 34 people every day. Sign up now at worldsgreatestshave.com.
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