While that is a shocking statistic, survival rates are going up thanks to people like Deniliquin’s Ally McKenzie.
Ally will give up her long and flowing head of hair for a worthy cause - the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
She will continue to grow her already long locks until June 29 when the shave will take place.
It will be held at SRM Northside Hair and Beauty, owned by her mother Sharyn McKenzie.
Sharyn said Ally was inspired to participate due to a personal connection with cancer.
“I have two clients that have been coming in each week for years, and for the past four years Ally has been making cookies, muffins and cupcakes for them,” Sharyn said.
“When she found out about the two ladies’ diagnoses , she was devastated - very emotional.”
Ally has already smashed her original fundraising goal of $850, with more than $1100 raised so far.
“We are going to be raising the target. She has done so well, already exceeding her target, so we are looking at setting a new goal of $2,500,” Sharyn said.
Shaving your head, raising funds and spreading awareness of any disease is an admirable thing to do, especially for a young girl like Ally.
It also shows Ally’s awareness of the things going on around her, and her willingness to help others.
“It brings me to tears really,” Sharyn said.
“Her hair is her pride and joy, so to give it up for such an awesome cause just makes me very proud,” Sharyn told us.
“The Breast Cancer Foundation has been wonderful, shooting me an email every second day or so. They have given Ally some gear like socks, hats and shirts.
“They have been offering help, providing info on how to raise money and so much more.
“To work with such a helpful organisation has been amazing.”
In addition to accepting online donations, Ally has the support of a number of businesses around town to hold a raffle on the day of the shave.
“We are really hoping to attract a big crowd,” Sharyn said.
“There has been a big raffle set up for the day, with donations from and with other local businesses.”
The fundraising day will start at 12.30pm, with the shave to take place from about 1pm. The raffle will then be drawn.
To donate, go to https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/allymckenzie.
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