In the past 12 months, UQ PhD candidate Rebecca Banks has learnt just how precious life is, and in just over a week will go the 'big chop' for cancer research.
The Occupational Therapy student is counting down to the 2009 Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave event, at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 14, at 1:45pm.
In recent times, Ms Banks’ life has been rocked by the news of close family and friends being diagnosed with cancer.
Her experience of watching her loved ones deal with the disease, her work as an occupational therapist and her strong belief in the value of the Leukaemia Foundation, compelled her to put her locks to good use.
“Three years ago, when I saw those advertisements on TV saying that one in every three Australians’ lives are affected by cancer, I remember thinking how lucky I was that no one I knew had cancer at that time,” Ms Banks said.
“In the past 12 months, I’ve had three relatives diagnosed with cancer, a very well-respected colleague from the Occupational Therapy division who has been diagnosed with cancer and has retired for health reasons, and a number of friends whose parents and family members have also been diagnosed with cancer.”
Ms Banks, from Dutton Park, doesn’t shy away from the fact that having a shaved head will be an adjustment, but hoped her participation would encourage others to support the cause.
“I had entertained thoughts of doing it back when I was an undergraduate but never worked up the guts. And honestly, I’m not sure if I’m going to be brave enough to do it again in the future – depends how I look after my hair is shaved off!
“Sometimes people think ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’ But these types of events make you realise that individuals with a common goal can collectively achieve great things.
“I think that the day of finding a cure for cancer is drawing very near, and the best way to ensure that it arrives is to support research into treatments and support the health professionals who develop and provide treatments.”
Ms Banks hopes to raise $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation and people can sponsor her at http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=44124
Fellow UQ participants in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave include Arts student Nyssa Allen, 23, who will have her hair shaved on March 12, 2009 at Logan Hyperdome, between 6pm and 9pm.
Furthermore, Judit Kibedi, from UQ’s Biomedical Sciences department, will host her shave event at the University’s St Lucia Campus on March 12, on the lawn in front of The School of Biomedical Sciences, Skerman Building.
Ms Kibedi is holding a barbecue, starting at noon, for staff, students and members of the community to show their support.
Please forward details of any other members of the UQ community involved in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, whose details have been inadvertently omitted to e.plant@uq.edu.au.
Media: Ms Rebecca Banks on (0403 670 916) or Eliza Plant at UQ Communications on (07 3365 2619)
