MARAYNE Muller flicks her long, golden locks behind her shoulders. It’s something she won’t be able to do two weeks from now.
The 16-year-old will shave her head on April 21 as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
Because of a medical condition, Marayne has paid frequent visits to hospitals and has a clear vision of cancer patients receiving treatment, with drips and tubes attached.
“They always still had a smile on their face though,” the Melton resident says. “So many cancer victims just have a great spirit and I’m inspired by that.”
Marayne, a student at The Laurels in Bacchus Marsh, is also mindful of a neighbour who survived an aggressive cancer.
“I remember she struggled so much but was so positive. She lost all her hair, but now she’s in remission.”
Marayne has raised $3000 and hopes to reach a target of $4000, enough, she says, to fund two full days of research and “help find a cure”.
She says she isn’t worried about the shave but is slightly nervous about people’s reaction.
“People getting treated with chemotherapy have no choice, though, do they? I have a choice to help and hopefully help make a change.”
The World’s Greatest Shave took place throughout March, but Marayne has chosen to raise funds in April to coincide with a youth event at Melton’s The Gap on Graham.
The Leukaemia Foundation’s biggest annual fund-raiser helps it provide free practical and emotional support to people with leukaemia and their families. It also invests millions in research towards the cause.
The Gap’s youth day is from 11am-3pm at 5Graham Street, Melton. Marayne’s shave is at 2.30pm. She’s still looking for a professional hairdresser to shave her hair. Anyone willing to donate their time can contact her via The Laurels on 53671061. To donate, visit my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/maraynie
