Leukaemia has had an impact on my life in many ways. Over 10 yrs ago my coordinator had to give up his mining career to go home and be the primary carer for his beautiful daughter after his wife lost a short but painful batter with an acute form of Leukaemia.
In more recent times I have watched my father be the primary carer for his wife as she battled Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. This went undiagnosed for a long period of time as it was masked by other issues in her blood stream. Through an aggressive treatment plan she is now on the mend and her quality of life has improved significantly. She is still on medication everyday to control the disease – at $8500 a prescription…. Luckily these drugs are on the PBS.
My Father in Law is also battling Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Luckily his was picked up quickly and its something he manages on a day to day basis. This disease won’t cause his passing – it will be his compromised immune system which will allow a simple disease to take his life.
The reason for my decisions with the Worlds Greatest Shave is these 3 families are fortunate – they have the ability or made the decision financially to help their families manage this horrible disease. Many families don’t – hence me donating my hair to people less fortunate is an easy decision to make.
Go Jason