"For my nan, by the time there were any symptoms the cancer was already very big and too late."
Oliver, Year 6
Meet Oliver, a Year 6 student from Tasmania who shaved his head this week to support Brain Cancer Australia — all in honour of his Nan, who died from brain cancer when he was six.
“She loved animals — especially cats — and she loved sports and John Farnham,” he says. “We have a big family, and it’s sad she doesn’t get to see us all grow up. She would have liked to watch us at our school athletics carnivals and come to things like my Grade 6 graduation next week.”
When Oliver first started thinking about ways he could help others, he wasn’t quite sure where to begin. Then he landed on the idea to donate his hair to make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
From that spark, a bigger idea grew and he decided to shave his head entirely and raise funds for Brain Cancer Australia at the same time.
Oliver was nervous in the lead up and a little shaky during the shave, but he was driven by the simple idea of wanting to help future families facing brain cancer.
“Brain cancer can affect anyone. For most people, doctors don’t even know what causes it. For my nan, by the time there were any symptoms the cancer was already very big and too late for the doctors to fix it. It was only a few months from when nan got sick until she died, so it was very fast.”
Oliver knows how urgently research is needed and he’s doing what he can to make a difference.
“I’m very grateful I met my fundraising goal. It means so much that people are supporting my idea, especially just before Christmas when everyone has so much going on.”
And to the people who helped him raise over $1,900, Oliver has a message: “Thank you! Lots of people say I’m being brave, but I don’t think so — this is just a small thing, and my hair will grow back eventually.”
We are delighted to have Oliver championing our work. His huge heart reminds us that anyone at any age can help change the future of brain cancer.
