My World's Greatest Shave Journey: FAQ
As I’ve been getting ready for the World’s Greatest Shave,
I’ve had the chance to share a bit about why I’m doing this and the heart
behind it.
A few people have asked me some really thoughtful questions about my decision
and the journey.
Many have also shared stories about people they know who have fought, or are
still fighting, cancer.
They've asked about blood cancer, what the process looks like, and how they can
support those going through it.
I wanted to put together some answers here to share what I’ve learned, honour
the people who have inspired me, and hopefully encourage you too.
What is the World’s Greatest Shave and where does the
money go?
The World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia
Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser.
People across Australia shave, cut, or colour their hair to show support for
those living with blood cancer and to raise life-changing funds for care,
accommodation, transport, and research.
Here’s what your donation can help provide:
- $39
– one night of accommodation close to hospital
- $64
– transport to and from treatment
- $150
– emotional and practical support for someone with blood cancer
- $560
– financial relief for a family facing urgent costs during treatment
- $1,000+
– contributes to blood cancer research to improve treatment and find a
cure
Every dollar makes a real difference for the 150,000
Australians living with blood cancer today.
What is blood cancer, and why is support so important?
Blood cancer affects the blood, bone marrow, and immune
system, making it harder for people to fight infections and stay strong.
Treatment often depends on life-saving blood donations, bone marrow
transplants, and the support of organisations like the Leukaemia Foundation.
Why did you decide to participate?
For Ashlyn.
Seeing her journey opened my eyes to just how much support is needed, for
fighters and for families.
Shaving my head feels like a way I can honour her and raise funds for others
going through it.
Even while facing her own diagnosis, Ashlyn showed
incredible courage.
She didn’t just fight quietly, she reached out to others who were newly
diagnosed, offered encouragement, prayed for them, and reminded them they
weren’t alone.
That kind of compassion, even in the midst of her own suffering, left a mark on
everyone who knew her.
Her faith, her heart for others, and the way she walked through it all with
grace is something I’ll always carry with me.
Who or what inspired you? (Photo of my Dad in 1998)
I first learned about shaving for the Leukaemia Foundation
in 1998.
I watched my Dad shave his head with about eight other people from Westpac to
raise money for the cause.
I still remember how proud I felt seeing him there helping others, with a huge
smile on his face as his hair was shaved off and how he embraced his silly
side. And now, years later, at almost the same age,
I’m participating too.
I also think of Ashlyn’s best friend, Aimee, who shaved her
head in solidarity when Ashlyn lost her hair.
When I heard about that, it struck me deeply. That kind of love and courage
stayed with me.
How did you feel making the decision to shave your head?
When it came to the choice to shave my head, it wasn’t fear
that I felt.
It was almost this immediate, quiet, "Oh. Of course. This is exactly what
I’m going to do."
Because honestly, there’s no greater loss than losing
someone you love.
Ashlyn’s life and legacy, her courage, her joy, her heart, is worth infinitely
more than anything I could ever give up, including my hair.
And more than that, I’m coming to understand more about how
value isn’t in my appearance.
Not in my hair, not in how I look as a woman. Just like Ashlyn believed, it was
who she was in Christ.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such
as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle
and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
— 1 Peter 3:3–4
How have people reacted so far?
They’ve been incredibly supportive , my Dad especially.
I had a friend run up to me and say, “Sarah! This is so powerful!”
Some were surprised, like, "How could you go bald? I could never
do that."
Other friends even put an egg emoji on their calendar for “Sarah’s Bald Day.”
Laughter really is the best medicine.
How are you preparing for the day?
I’ve been sharing it with my family, friends, and church
community.
A friend donated some hair clippers, and I’ve ordered some beanies.
Honestly? I even looked at a few “Bald Baddie” examples for confidence.
More importantly, I’m preparing my heart.
This is about honouring Ashlyn and standing with those going through blood
cancer.
I’ve been praying that the conversations around this will open doors for hope
and encouragement.
What has been the most challenging part of the journey so
far?
The hardest part has been being raw so soon with others
about my grief.
Sharing Ashlyn’s story and my reason for doing the shave with people at work,
at church, and with friends has stretched me.
It’s hard being vulnerable about loss.
But every time I speak about it, I’m reminded that when we’re real about grief,
it makes room for others to be real about theirs too.
What has been the best part so far?
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to
so many stories, from my workplace, my friends, my church community, even
strangers.
Stories of people who have been impacted by cancer in ways I never would have
known if I hadn’t taken this step.
It’s been a gift to stand still and listen.
And in those conversations, I’ve been able to share about Ashlyn.
About who she was, about her joy and strength, her compassion, and the legacy
that has been instilled in those who loved and knew her.
What message would you want to share with others thinking
about participating?
If it’s on your heart to do it, go for it.
It’s not about how much you raise, or whether you have a “perfect” story.
It’s about saying yes to compassion and putting love into action.
Hair grows back. Love lasts forever.
How Can I Help if I Can't Donate Money or Participate?
Donate blood. Join the registry. Speak up.
There are so many ways to show support.
I’d encourage you to start by signing up to donate blood if you can.
There’s also another powerful way to help blood cancer patients, and that’s by
joining the stem cell donor registry.
I had given blood before and vaguely knew about bone marrow
donation, but it wasn’t until I saw how much these donations can mean to
someone fighting blood cancer that I understood it more deeply.
It made me stop and think: what does it actually take to help someone through
their battle?
That’s when I learned more about stem cell donation and
registered myself as a donor.
Even if you can’t give money or take part in the shave,
there are so many ways to show up with love.
🔗 Find a donor centre near you | Lifeblood
🔗
Join the Australian
Stem Cell Donor Registry
Thank You for taking time to read this and for those who Donated
💛
Though not everyone may completely understand the choice to
shave my head, those who knew Ashlyn have understood the weight behind it.
I’m especially grateful to her mum, Natalie, for offering her blessing and
support. It’s something I hold very close.
But most Important I thank God, Just like me Ashlyn deeply
believed in Jesus. She tattooed Believe on her wrist to remind her. She embodied
how Jesus told us to live - “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down
one's life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13
Her courage came from her faith, and her biggest prayer was that those she loved would come to know Him too. I’ve found strength in
that same hope. Jesus laid down His life to save us, that gives me the
reason to keep walking forward in both grief and purpose.
Thank you to everyone who are supporting me and shared their
stories, and walked alongside me in this journey.
Every step has been a reminder that love is stronger than loss, and hope is
still alive.
