In honour of Rocco: Just Cuts supports Highlands family's cancer journey
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The largest hairdressing franchise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Although Rocco has not had any cancer treatments for more than two years, life has not gone back to the way it was for the eight-year-old.
He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in October, 2019 when he was four, and was in and out of hospital for two years getting chemotherapy and taking steroids.
According to the Leukaemia Foundation , more than 300 adults and kids are diagnosed with ALL annually in Australia, with about 60 per cent of those being children up to the age of 14.
It is the most common type of leukemia for kids, and the most common childhood cancer.
His mother Caterina Faau said it would not have been possible to get through if it was not for fundraising efforts in the community over the years, and others reaching out to provide support.
"If it wasn't for that, you wouldn't get through it," she said.
She had to give up her job as a hairdresser at the time, and did not work for more than a year to care for, and travel back and forth with her youngest son.
Now she works as a hair stylist at Just Cuts in Mittagong.
When Just Cuts founder and CEO Denis McFadden heard about the mother and son's story, he wanted to honour them during the World's Greatest Shave.
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He came to the Mittagong store to have his head shaved by Caterina, and Rocco helped too.
"To hear Rocco's story, it makes it extra special," he said, and that hairdressers loved helping make the event happen across the country.
For Caterina, it was an opportunity to raise awareness and show support was needed once people stopped going for treatments.
"So life's not better just because they're in remission, it still goes on for everyone," Caterina said.
"People don't realise that."
The treatment has meant Rocco suffers from stress and trauma-related issues, and struggles academically from taking time off from school.
If his tests are clear this October, he will be declared cancer free.
Just Cuts is one of the sponsors for the World's Greatest Shave, and people can donate through the business' fundraising initiative via worldsgreatestshave.com.
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11 个月Such a great morning!!!!
Franchise Owner at Just Cuts? Franchising - Just Cuts FAC Treasurer
11 个月What an incredible gesture of support from Just Cuts Chief Executive Officer and founder Denis McFadden. It's heartwarming to see the community coming together to rally behind Rocco and his family during such a challenging time. It's so important to raise awareness and show ongoing support even after treatments have ended. Sending all my best wishes to Rocco for clear tests this October. Thank you to everyone involved in the World's Greatest Shave for making a difference in the lives of those affected by leukemia.