By KATRINA BRANDON
LEADING in positive events, the Calvary Strzelecki House in Mirboo North sprung into action for the World’s Greatest Shave on March 14.
With a splash of colour around the aged care facility, residents raised money for the Leukaemia Foundation, raising around $3800.
Being the World’s Greatest Shave, two residents and three staff members raised their hands to brave the shave and embrace the cooler change. The five individuals were Libby Barker, Miriam Drzycimski, Lois Thornton (resident), Margaret Murray (resident) and Helen Grogen.
Taking a step towards the fun week, Ms Thornton got the ball rolling alongside her hairdresser.
“It just came from a comment from my hairdresser when I was doing my hair,” she said.
“I hadn’t mentioned to her that I had shaved my head before for friends that have had cancer. Then, as we know it, the next moment, she started the ball rolling for this event.
“For me, it helps to think about all of the family and friends that have had cancer and survived, all those that didn’t make it, and all the treatment that they could go through.
“My dad had it many years ago, and he lived on for 25 years, but eventually, it took him. The treatments have improved since his experience to modern-day experience, and it has come a long way, all because of research, donations, and funding. That was a big thing.”
Ms Murray followed with: “My husband has lost six of his siblings to cancer. I have lost a couple of family members to cancer and a lot of lovely friends. Even if it wasn’t leukemia, it was cancer, and if this will help anybody survive anything, we need to do it. Lois gave me the courage to do it”.
Alongside Ms Thornton’s encouragement, Ms Murray also joked about the opportunity to shave her head, giving her daughter a chance to “get even for all of the horrible haircuts” she has given her over the years.
In anticipation for the shave, Ms Thornton prepared beanies for the cold chill to come from a clean-shaven head.
“I have got lots of beanies. When I had done it once before, I couldn’t believe how cold I felt throughout my body because my hair was gone. I’m prepared this time.”
Standing by the five who braved the shave, staff member Julie Littlejohn joined by colouring her hair bright purple.
