Shearer and Norman go head to head for blood cancer

MEDIA RELEASE
05 March 2012

David Shearer and Russel Norman go head to head for blood cancer

Two political party leaders, David Shearer and Russel Norman, will go head to head in a public voting poll to see which of the pair New Zealanders most want to see shave their head for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s (LBC) Shave for a Cure campaign.

The leader of the Labour Party and co-leader of the Green Party face the brave challenge of shaving their heads on the first day of the Shave for a Cure campaign (26 – 31 March) at Queens Wharf in Wellington.

Pru Etcheverry, CEO, LBC, says, “So many people know someone who has been diagnosed with leukaemia or a blood cancer. Shaving is a simple and very visible way of showing their support.

“It will be fun to see who New Zealanders most want to see Shave and we’re looking forward to seeing the minister’s new hairdos. We hope their leadership encourages other Kiwis to shave their heads to make this the biggest New Zealand Shave yet.”

The political duo will join the thousands of individuals in schools, universities, businesses and community groups who will shave their heads during the week long campaign.

LBC receives no government funding so the money raised goes towards their core services including patient support and research.

To vote for your preferred party ‘head’ or to sign up to shave (or donate to one of LBC’s already committed shavees) go to www.shaveforacure.co.nz.

Follow Shave for a Cure on Facebook www.facebook.com/LBFNZ during Shave 12.

Ends

Editor’s notes:

Shave for a Cure
• Shave for a Cure is Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s signature fundraising event
• Everyone Shaves including individuals, schools, businesses and community groups
• Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions.
• LBC does not receive government funding – the dollars raised from Shave help fund our core services including patient support, support and funding for research, awareness and advocacy
Key facts about blood cancers
• Every day, six New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer - that’s about 2,200 New Zealanders a year
• The cause of blood cancers is unknown
• These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning
• Blood cancers combined (leukaemia, lymphoma and, myeloma) are the fifth most common cancer in New Zealand
• Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.

Leukaemia
• Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer.
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Lymphoma
• In New Zealand, lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer, with close to 900 people being diagnosed every year
• Lymphoma is the most common cancer affecting 15-24 year olds.

Myeloma
• Around 300 people are diagnosed with myeloma in New Zealand each year
• Pacific Islanders and Maori have a higher incidence of myeloma.

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