Barefoot and Buzzcuts

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far to the McGrath Foundation! Your incredible generosity and overwhelming support has meant that we've had 102 people (!) donate a massive $10,535.00 (!!) – which has absolutely smashed the A$10K target we set for ourselves. To achieve this target before the event is inspiring to say the least! When we discussed the ‘target’ we didn’t have a clue about how little or much we would achieve, but ultimately, it wasn’t about the money, it was always about the creation of community and family spirit to give Ellen a boost of energy and motivation to fight.

This journey and insight into the ‘kind’ we see in humankind, has now motivated us to keep up our fundraising efforts and to now turn our focus onto Ellen and her family directly. Cancer, as many of you will know, is not just an enormous physical and emotional drain on the person diagnosed (and on their family), but can also be a huge financial burden that most people are completely unprepared for.

Therefore, for the remaining weeks prior to the event and the event itself, we are going to promote another fundraising page for our sister and endeavour to keep up the fantastic momentum.

The head shave started as a conversation between siblings exploring the enormity of a scary diagnosis and ultimately, in support of our sister. The event was created as a family commitment of solidarity against this disease and in appreciation of the support from the McGrath Foundation’s great work. And so, now that we've hit our McGrath Foundation target we'd like to shift gears to support Ellen financially too.

We know asking for money for an individual is a bit harder, a bit less PC and a bit more 'awkward' than charity fundraising effort, but the reality is, finances are important (to everyone) and this is a practical and real way we can provide help to Ellen. Financial support can be the difference between getting by versus even more stress and anxiety at an already incredibly emotional time.

We've set up this personal fundraising page for Elle and encourage anyone who didn't get an opportunity to donate to the McGrath Foundation to instead contribute here.

Proceeds now raised from our Barefoot and Buzzcut event on the night, will also go to support her ongoing medical costs.

Thank you again for your support and understanding of this evolving situation – such as life.

Clara, Tom & Susan


******************************************************************


For Ellen.


In late 2017, our Sister was diagnosed as having a malignant tumour in her uterus which resulted in a hysterectomy at the age of 33.


In mid 2018, Elle was then diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. After undergoing more surgery & radiotherapy treatment, in June 2019 she received positive results of a remission diagnosis. Winning…..


Until, In October 2019 which was painfully & ironically ‘breast cancer awareness month’, Elle was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 Breast Cancer.


This news blindsided us all and directly changed the future plans her and husband Tony had for their lives together with children Luke & Georgia.


On the day that Elle received the news, she was on a course in Goulburn staying at the NSW police academy, alone with her thoughts. Instinctively, Tom, Susan and I called a ‘Blinky sibling dinner’ at the local Thai restaurant and wrapped our arms around her. That night we understood the severity of the situation as she looked at us with her big green eyes, fighting back tears and told us the diagnosis details. This included the dreaded side effect of losing her hair within weeks of treatment starting and that it would be gone as soon as Xmas. So that night we made a pact – If she was going to have a shaved head at Xmas, SO WERE WE! So Susan, Tom and I will all be shaving our heads on the night in solidarity. The Blinky's will all be Bald!


Our sister; a daughter, wife, mother, friend and selfless long serving NSW Police Officer is now facing the battle of a lifetime and we will not let her feel that this is for her to face alone…. Not at any point in this fight.


And here we are today… raising money and awareness for a wonderful foundation that is currently supporting Elle with one of their fabulous breast cancer nurses. We want to remove the stigma, give Elle confidence in numbers and do it while having plenty of FUN!


So we’ve set a target, created an event thanks to the generosity of The RUC in Turner and we would really appreciate your support!




Please RSVP here and come along In your best pink outfit!


Here’s to a warm summer night of fundraising through barefoot bowls, auction antics, laughs and a BIG ‘Blinky Buzz Cut’ in honour of our sister and all the sisters out there who are going through the same pain.


This is for you, with love.


Clara X