Victoria Martinez, who lost all her hair when she was treated for a form of blood cancer when she was younger, is shaving it all off again to raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave.
Camera IconVictoria Martinez, who lost all her hair when she was treated for a form of blood cancer when she was younger, is shaving it all off again to raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave. Credit: Supplied/Louise White

Losing her hair second time around for the cause

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

Victoria said she was taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave, from March 14-17, because she was diagnosed with a severe blood cancer, acute aplastic anaemia, when she was four.

‘When I was younger I had cancer,’ she said. ‘Some people shaved heads and I got a wig out of their hair ” I thought I could do the same.’

The St Andrews Catholic Primary School student said she was a little worried about what people would say but that wouldn’t deter her.

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Her mother, Kristy Taylor said she had been apprehensive, but it was something Victoria really wanted to do.

‘I’m really proud of her,’ she said.

Ms Taylor said it had been hard when her daughter lost her hair during her cancer treatment, but it was worth it.

‘At the time, it is really devastating but then you do look at ‘she’s here’ ” at the end of the day, it’s just hair,’ she said.

Leukaemia Foundation WA manager Carolyn Turner said they expected 23 western Australians to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma each week.

‘Research is improving survival rates, but blood cancer is still Australia’s biggest cancer killer after lung cancer,’ she said.

Victoria wants to raise $1000 .

To donate, visit worldsgreatestshave.com and search for an individual to sponsor.