Facing big fundraiser
Photographer Brendan Radke (above) lost his hair a year ago while having treatment for multiple myeloma. This year he is shaving it off again for the Leukaemia Foundation.
CAIRNS photographer Brendan Radke lost his hair a year ago while having treatment for multiple myeloma.
This year he is shaving it off again to fundraise for the Leukaemia Foundation as a way to give back to the organisation that provided so much support during his eight months of treatment in Brisbane.
“I’ve already lost my hair once, so it’s no big deal to lose it again,” says the Cairns Post photographer.
Brendan was diagnosed with cancer in July 2016.
“Tumours were growing on my spine and eating away at my bone marrow. I found myself in hospital unable to walk.”
He was flown to Brisbane and treated at Princess Alexandra Hospital, also undergoing a stem cell transplant.
Like many out-of-towners, Brendan stayed at Clem Jones Sunland Leukaemia Foundation Village in Brisbane.
“The Leukaemia Foundation supports a lot of people like myself who are battling blood cancer. Without them, a lot of people, especially those in the regions, would be stuck when they need treatment in Brisbane.
“Every day, another 35 Australians get the news they have leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or another blood disorder.
“Living with blood that doesn’t work sucks. Living with blood that is trying to kill you is even worse,” Brendan says.
“The Leukaemia Foundation helps thousands of Australians physically, mentally, emotionally and even financially. Blood cancer in the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia.”
Brendan’s shave is on the centre stage at Stockland Cairns at noon on Saturday. The 20th birthday of the World’s Greatest Shave is marked with a cake at 11am. To donate: my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/brendanradke