More than 11,500 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with blood cancer or related blood disorders this year. Treatment for blood cancer can range from months, to several years and generally lasts longer than treatment for other cancers.
Fifteen-year-old, Abbey McNamara will be losing her locks to raise money for patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. A Year 10 boarding student at SCOTS PGC College, Abbey decided to support the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. In 2006 Abbey’s Dad, John McNamara, was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia and Hairy Cell Leukaemia.
The family was devastated, with Abbey’s mother, Anne, sister Beth, and brother Daniel in disbelief. “Dad was feeling very unwell and, after the doctor sent him for blood tests, leukaemia and Chronic Cue Fever was diagnosed,” Abbey said.
“My home town is Glenmorgan so, when Dad needed treatment he had to travel to Brisbane. With the assistance of the Leukaemia Foundation, accommodation was arranged for him. Under Clinical Haematologist/Oncologist, Dr James Morton, Dad underwent many bone marrow biopsies, two rounds of chemotherapy treatment and multiple blood tests,” Abbey said.
“It made Dad weak, and he had to be careful not to get viruses because that can complicate the treatment plan and he has ongoing immune system challenges.” With the wonderful work from the Mater Hospital, Mr McNamara is currently in partial remission and has regular check-ups, travelling to Brisbane.
Abbey was only six years old when her maternal grandmother passed away in 2004 after a battle with Leukaemia and one of mum’s best friends passed away from breast cancer a few years back. “Being personally touched by loved ones affected by cancer, I wanted to help towards finding a cure, and hopefully change the lives of Australians with blood cancer. I knew that taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave was a way to support this great cause.” I don’t want people to have to go through what my family has had to endure. The worry and emotions can be quite overwhelming and it is hard on everyone involved.”
Abbey’s curly brown locks of hair will be cut by her cousin Katie, a hairdresser, and they will be donated to make a wig for patients who have suffered hair loss.
Decades of research have improved blood cancer survival; however Leukaemia is the second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming more lives each year than better known cancers, like breast cancer and melanoma.
The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. To sponsor Abbey, visit her website my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/abbeysleap
