Why Liz is taking the leap
Liz’s motivation stems from her dear friend Richard, who was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) just over ten years ago. Thanks to a bone-marrow transplant (all the way from Germany), Richard is now cancer-free, but his battle came with long-term health challenges. Seeing his resilience and knowing the importance of research, Liz felt compelled to act.
Her fundraising efforts are not just about raising money. They’re about honouring Richard’s journey and helping others affected by blood cancer.
Facing the clippers: Excited or nervous?
With her Shave day set for March 30, Liz admits she’s still in denial – but is embracing the journey with optimism. She sees her shaved head as a powerful conversation starter, helping to raise awareness about blood cancer.
While she acknowledges the emotional challenge, she feels privileged to make this choice – unlike those undergoing treatment who don’t have this luxury.
The special moments and support
Liz’s fundraising journey has been nothing short of incredible. From poker and quiz nights to Spanish Sundays, high teas, and pool parties, she has rallied an entire community to support the cause. On March 30th, Kawana Waters Hotel will host a Family Fun Day in support of Liz shaving her head. She'll create excitement by auctioning off different stages of the shave while encouraging others to join in on the day.
Some standout moments include:
- A generous community member – personally touched by blood cancer – who not only donated but also stepped up to help Liz throughout her fundraising journey.
- A high tea for 30 guests, generously hosted and fully donated by a friend.
- Handmade Christmas decorations, earrings, and scrunchies were generously made and donated by friends to raise funds.
- Local businesses stepping up, with De Brett Seafood donating seafood for Spanish Sundays, and Joyce Mayne Chancellor Park and Maroochydore and Shepherd's Betta Gympie donating electrical goods for raffle prizes.
- Well over 50 other local businesses have generously donated throughout the months
While Liz has been supported by many throughout her journey, her biggest supporter has been her husband, Nick. His constant encouragement, love, and belief in the cause have kept her going, providing strength during both the highs and lows of the fundraising process.
One of Liz’s most emotional moments came while she was at Bunnings. She checked her fundraising page and saw she had just hit $20,000. Up until that point, she had been in disbelief about the impact she was making. But in that moment, it all felt real, and she burst into tears.
Beyond the Shave: Fundraising until 31 December
Although Liz is shaving her head on 30 March, she isn’t stopping there. She has big plans to keep fundraising right up until the 31st of December deadline, when fundraising pages are taken down. Liz, along with the Kawana Waters Hotel, will host a wine tasting night in May, and she will continue raising funds through all the generous donations she has received. Liz has even begun considering the possibility of hosting a gala event on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate 50 years of the Leukaemia Foundation.
Every donation, big or small, represents someone who believes in Liz's mission. That’s why she feels a deep responsibility to keep pushing forward and honour every person who has supported her along the way.
The Bigger Picture: What the Funds Will Achieve
For Liz, reaching her $70,000 fundraising goal is about making a real impact. She was struck by the fact that $25,000 can fund three months of clinical research, meaning her goal could support nine months of critical research. She hopes this will bring hope to those facing blood cancer, leading to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
But research isn’t the only way Liz hopes to make a difference. After visiting one of the Leukaemia Foundation’s accommodation services, she saw firsthand how something as simple as an air fryer can make life easier for families undergoing treatment. This experience inspired her to raise funds with the possibility of providing air fryers for the accommodation apartments.
A message to future shavers & supporters
"Raising awareness is just as valuable as raising funds."
"Get creative with fundraising events – there's always a way to engage your community!"
"Donate blood! Blood cancer patients often rely on life-saving transfusions during treatment."
Join Liz in making a difference
As her Shave day approaches, Liz remains humbled and grateful for the generosity of her supporters. Her journey is a testament to the power of community and how one person can make a lasting impact for a blood cancer charity like the Leukaemia Foundation. With a community rallying behind her, there’s no doubt she’ll achieve her goal – one incredible milestone at a time.
You, too, can be part of this incredible movement. Sign up, donate to Liz or a loved one, or visit our 'Random Act of Kindness' and help someone start their fundraising journey.
