30 Jan Why the World’s Greatest Shave matters to Aussie kids
As children across Australia head back to school, hundreds won’t be returning to their classrooms.
Instead, they’ll be in hospital rooms, undergoing treatment for blood cancer — the most common and life-threatening cancer affecting Australian children.
This year alone, around 350 Australian children will be diagnosed with blood cancer. Thousands more are already living with the disease, enduring intensive treatments that can remove them from school, friends and everyday childhood experiences for months — and sometimes years.
According to Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti, blood cancer now accounts for more than one in three cancers in school-aged children, yet remains a largely hidden tragedy.
“Far too many kids are swapping classrooms for hospital rooms when they should be learning, playing and laughing with friends,” he says.
Treatment can last up to three years, with many children missing 40–60 per cent of school in their first year alone. Alongside physical side effects, fatigue, anxiety and “chemo brain” can disrupt learning and concentration long after treatment ends. Social isolation is also common, with many children feeling different when they return to school due to hair loss, scars or ongoing medical needs.
To help support families through this life-changing journey, the Leukaemia Foundation is once again calling on Australians to take part in its iconic fundraising campaign, World’s Greatest Shave.
By shaving, cutting or colouring their hair — or donating to someone who is — Australians help fund vital support services such as accommodation near hospitals, transport to treatment, emotional and financial assistance, and critical blood cancer research.
Schools have long been at the heart of the World’s Greatest Shave, with students across the country stepping up to show solidarity with classmates and families affected by blood cancer.
Every shave, cut or colour helps ensure that no child faces blood cancer alone.
For an update on The World’s Greatest Shave; more information or to join the schools program, follow these links.
