Community News
Justine Webber farewells her hair for SavingDads!
Grafton woman Justine Webber, a receptionist at Duke Street Medical Centre is cutting all her hair off by hosting her very own ‘Shave It For Cancer’ fundraiser. Justine’s big day will be held on Thursday January 28 to help raise money for cancer support services in the Clarence Valley.
Justine made the decision to lose her locks after the death of her father in August 2015.
“Dad was diagnosed with extensive cancer involving his lungs, liver and oesophagus in September 2014 and was in denial right up until his final admission in to hospital. Dad had been a smoker all his life so it was not a surprise when he was diagnosed, but it was wrenching to watch Mum go through 11 months of seeing her husband of 50 years deteriorate, suffer and then pass away. Cancer happened to everyone in the family, not just Dad,” said Justine.
Working in a medical centre, Justine sees the effect that cancer has on the families of those diagnosed, and hears stories about how lost and unsure family are about how to get through some of the day to day problems in their own homes. Cancer Council NSW supports many programs in the Clarence Valley to ensure that local cancer patients and their families have access to support networks, help in the home, transport to treatment, assistance with financial planning and legal matters as well as funding groups that assist with palliative care and comfort for the patient and family.
When Justine found out that money she raises can stay in the Clarence Valley and help local families get through the trauma of cancer, she decided it was her turn to do something to help.
Justine will be taking it all off in public at 11.30am on Thursday 28th January, at Jagged Edge Hair & Beauty, Shop 4/70 Prince Street Grafton (through Low Pressure Surf Co) followed by a sausage sizzle and drawing the SavingDads raffle.
Justine’s hair will be donated to ‘Beautiful Lengths’ a New Zealand wig making organisation.
Every dollar raised makes a difference, so get behind Justine and donate at the Duke Street Medical Centre or Jagged Edge Hair and Beauty prior to the event or turn up on the day and support Justine. You can also go online and donate at http://nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/SavingDads
All money raised will go to Cancer Council NSW, to help fund advocacy programs, and support services in the local area.
Cancer Council NSW’s Community Relations Coordinator Abby Wallace said approximately $14.2 million was invested into cancer research in 2014, as well as into information, support, programs, services and advocacy in the local area.