MEDIA RELEASE

Written and issued by a Worlds Greatest Shave participant using a template from the website. To verify participation call 1800 500 088 and ask to speak to our media team.

Date:

28/02/2014

Im going to be brave and shave my hair!

About me
My name: My age: My suburb/town: My goal: Donation page: Antania Monkley 28 Miranda $5200.00 (or more) http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/antmonkley

Why Im taking part

I have been growing my hair for about 10 years now, and I can almost sit on it, its that long. After I married my now husband in May last year, I had planned on having my hair cut short again. But I had always wanted to fundraise for a charity and I have always admired individuals who sacrificed something, whether it was trekking around Australia, or shaving their head and that was something I always wanted to do. So I started looking at charity events, and thinking about which cause really means something to me. The Leukaemia Foundation stood out for more, particularly for two reasons: In 2010, my sister lost a close friend named Liam to Leukaemia. He was 22years old, and was a caring, gentle and wonderful person. In 2011, my father-in-law was diagnosed with Szary's disease, a rare form of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Which he has been lucky and treatment has been keeping his symptoms under control. So for the memory of my sisters friend, who passed away at such a young age, and for my father-in-law who has been such a pillar of strength. I decided to take part in the Worlds Greatest Shave.

My hair wont be going to waste

In addition to joining the thousands of other Australians who will be shaving or colouring there hair, I have pledged to donate my hair to Pantenes Beautiful Lengths:

worldsgreatestshave.com

| facebook/LeukaemiaFoundationWorldsGreatestShave

MEDIA RELEASE
Written and issued by a Worlds Greatest Shave participant using a template from the website. To verify participation call 1800 500 088 and ask to speak to our media team.

(www.beautifullengths.com.au/) This is an organisation that creates real-hair wigs, and provides them to women with cancer for free. Knowing a number of women in my family and friends who have had to go through chemotherapy and the loss of their hair due to cancer treatments, I didnt want my long hair to end up in the bin. So, it will be made into a wig or two to help support women with cancer and give them a little pick-me-up.

What Ive done so far

My original goal was to raise $5000 in 5 months. I reached that target on the 26 February so I have increased by fundraising goal another $200 for the last 2 weeks until I shave my head. Most of my fundraising has been through social media, facebook and twitter, but to get my work colleagues in the spirit we held a few craft events where staff, for a small donation, could decorate their mobile phone or create a Christmas card. I also had generous donation from Lovely Bridal Blooms who created the flower arrangements for my wedding last year. Our local caf near work Floral Caf has also helped by putting in a coin donation box to capture any loose change from patrons.

When and where I will make good on my pledge!

I will be holding a private event on Friday 14 March (evening) at my workplace. We will be having a small BBQ and to raise that little bit extra, on the night we will be auctioning the privilege of cutting/shaving my head. My last comments. I started fundraising in October 2013. This journey has been wonderful and I am genuinely in awe of the generosity and support of so many people. It has actually been such a humbling experience, as I talked with individuals and heard their stories of loss and triumph with family and friends who have battled with cancer. I am excited about shaving my head and knowing that I will be helping to make someones life a little brighter is really the best feeling in the world.

ABOUT WORLDS GREATEST SHAVE

worldsgreatestshave.com | facebook/LeukaemiaFoundationWorldsGreatestShave

MEDIA RELEASE
Written and issued by a Worlds Greatest Shave participant using a template from the website. To verify participation call 1800 500 088 and ask to speak to our media team.

WHAT: The Leukaemia Foundations Worlds Greatest Shave began in 1998 and today, is one of Australias biggest fundraising events! People get sponsored to shave or colour their hair and raise funds to support people with blood cancer. WHY: More than 11,500 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma this year equivalent to 31 people every day. Money is needed to continue the search to find cures and to support families. WHO: More than 150,000 people from all walks of life are expected to shave or colour their hair in 2014. Some will go it alone while others will get a team together. HOW: Sign up, sponsor or donate at worldsgreatestshave.com

HOW THE MONEY HELPS

Worlds Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundations biggest fundraiser. Money raised helps to reduce the impact of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma through research, and free emotional and practical support (like transport to and from treatment, and accommodation for regional Australians who need to move to the city close to hospital). Today, 31 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. More than 50,000 people are living with one of these blood cancers or a related blood disorder in Australia right now. 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 claims more lives each year than more well-known cancers, like breast cancer and melanoma.

Incidence and death data sources: AIHW Cancer in Australia, 2012 and ABS Causes of Death, Australia, 2011.

worldsgreatestshave.com

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