Mid North Coast Cancer Institute staff (back row L-R) Lisa Tighe, Kris Jurd, Nicky Marshall, Nicole Lindley, Lexi Gonzalez and Leonie Snowdon with the Head Shave for Mum team of (middle row L-R) Marten Clark, Bella Clark, Jenny Patterson, Tayla Fehon, Cassie Clark (front row L-R) Kyle Cohen and Rees Patterson.
Head Shave for Mum raises $21,500 in support of cancer care
Apr 27, 2021When Port Macquarie nurse Jenny Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year, her family and friends rallied … not only making a difference for Jenny but also for countless other cancer patients.
The males in this close-knit family are all sporting very sharp haircuts after staging an amazingly successful fundraising event for the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and the Cancer Council.
Little did they realise their ‘Head Shave for Mum’ fundraiser would rake in more than $21,000 – $10,000 of which will directly benefit patients at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute in Port Macquarie.
The show of solidarity from son Rees, brother-in-law Declan, best mates Sam and Kyle, brother-in-law Jarrod, son Jack, cousin Liam and brother-in-law James culminated a head shave at SeaSalt Café in Port Macquarie. The live-streamed event, complete with silent auction featuring goods and services donated by local businesses, has achieved an amazing result for cancer patients, current and future.
Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Nurse Unit Manager Emily Saul said Jenny’s extended family should take a bow.
“Everyone processes a cancer diagnosis differently,” Ms Saul said. “For Jenny’s family, it was about tackling cancer head-on in the best way possible … by raising funds to support the diagnosis, care and treatment of those with cancer.
“We are very grateful for the support. Jenny’s family should be very proud of their efforts. $10,000 will make a world of difference to our patients and their families.”
Head shave organiser Tayla Fehon said Jenny had no doubt her family and friends are with her every step of the way on her health journey.
“Jenny is a beautiful mother, sister, wife and friend. A Port Macquarie nurse, she is kind, generous, caring, loving and always puts the needs of others above her own.
“This was a chance for us to do something special for an extraordinary woman, and in the process, make a significant contribution to cancer research and cancer care.
“Jenny would like to especially thank the amazing nurses from MNCCI that have provided such wonderful care to her as she battles-through this rough time. Jenny has successfully made it through all her chemo rounds and is now on to ray treatment”.