Clip for cancer

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Tags: community service, winter-2009

UQ PhD student Rebecca Banks

In the past 12 months, UQ PhD candidate Rebecca Banks has learned just how precious life is and undergone the “big chop” for cancer research.

The occupational therapy student lost her locks as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s 2009 World’s Greatest Shave event.

In recent times, Ms Banks’ life has been rocked by the news of close family and friends being diagnosed with cancer.

Her experience of watching her loved ones deal with the disease, her work as an occupational therapist and her strong belief in the value of the Leukaemia Foundation compelled her to put her hair to good use.

“Three years ago, when I saw those advertisements on TV saying that one in every three Australians’ lives are affected by cancer, I remember thinking how lucky I was that no one I knew had cancer at that time,” Ms Banks said.

“In the past 12 months, I’ve had three relatives diagnosed with cancer, a very well-respected colleague from the occupational therapy division who has been diagnosed with cancer and has retired for health reasons, and a number of friends whose parents and family members have also been diagnosed with cancer.”

Ms Banks didn’t shy away from the fact that having a shaved head would be an adjustment, but hoped her participation would encourage others to support the cause.
“Sometimes people think ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’” she said.

“But these types of events make you realise that individuals with a common goal can collectively achieve great things.”

By Eliza Plant

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