Wednesday 3rd March 2010

This blog entry is to publicise the fundraising event that is taking place for The Leukamia foundation during the period 11-13 March. The Leukaemia foundation is the only only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. In the short time we have been involved with leukaemia, the foundation has certainly been of assistance to us by way of educating us in the disease and providing lots of information via booklets.

A lot of people have been asking how they can support Luke. I know I've suggested donating blood in the past. It is amazing how many blood products Luke has already needed to get through the first 5 weeks and I'm sure he'll need many more.
However another way to show your support would be to donate to the Leukaemia Foundation's Worlds Greatest Shave fundraising event. Money raised helps support families - especially those in country areas who do not have immediate access to hospitals that treat cancer. We are lucky we are in Canberra however in our case if we do have to go to Westmead hospital for an extended stay, the Leukaemia Foundation provides the accommodation.
They also fund leading research into better treatments and cures for leukaemias.

I know of a few teams that are going to take part in the World's Greatest Shave and I'd like to share their details with you in case you would like to direct a donation to them via the website.

1) Lanyon Loonies - this team is made up of staff members from Lanyon Pharmacy where Luke worked after school and on weekends. The brave team who are going to shave consist of Allison Browne, Jayne Gibson, Alex Smith, Suzi Hughes and Scott Mulholland.
2) Keep the Faith - this team consists of friends of Luke's - the team includes Daniel Sims, Tim Sandeman and Ned Lawson.
3) Canberra Grammar School - Jack Lattimore a friend of Luke's attends this school and the school will be participating in Shave for a cure.
4) Lake Tuggeranong College - where Luke attends. I cannot see them listed on the website as a team however I do know from one of the teachers that a fundraising event will be taking place. So if you go to the college you may want to show your support on the day.
5) Individuals - Tim Baker & his mum, Sue Baker are intending on colouring for a cure. Tim and Luke spent many years together playing cricket for the Junior Tuggeranong Vikings Cricket Club. Again I can't see them listed on the website but if you'd like to support them, I'm sure for all those TVCC people out there, you could contact either Des Baker or Billy Thomson.

I have included the link on the blog to the website. worldsgreatestshave.com
Once on the main page go down to the bottom to a heading sponsor a shaver.
Then search for the team or individuals name. Follow the prompts for your donation - you can remain anonymous if you prefer by ticking the applicable boxes.
All donations are tax deductible.

I really respect everyone taking part in this fundraising. They are braver than me! Luke really appreciates all of the support people have shown in taking part in this event. For your information, Luke's hair is slowly falling out - he has had it shaved shorter all over so that the bits of hair coming out aren't as noticeable. So he totally understands what it means to lose your hair and how brave you are all being. A big thank you to all of you.