MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by a participant using a template from worldsgreatestshave.com
To verify participation call 1800 500 088 and ask to speak to our media team.
Date:
Please run a story about me:
I’m going to be brave and <shave/colour> my hair!
< Replace this with a smiley picture of you! (Then delete this sentence, obviously)
About me
My name:
My age:
My suburb/town:
My contact details:
My goal:
[type here]
[type here]
[type here]
[Mobile + email]
$
Why I’m taking part
[Do you want to be a role model? Support someone going through treatment? Remember
someone you’ve lost? Just like having fun to help others? Include anything else that’s special
about you – you might have really long hair or haven’t shaved your beard for 20 years, or
shaved every year for the past 5! Remember media get lots of approaches – what makes you
different?]
What I’ve done so far
[Write a few sentences about the people who have helped you, the fundraising activities
you’ve done, the things that have surprised and motivated you along the way!]
When and where I will make good on my pledge!
[Write a few details about when and where you will make good on your pledge! Try to keep
everything to this page and make sure you also send the next page – it’s got other facts
journalists like to know about how you’re helping.]
worldsgreatestshave.com | facebook/LeukaemiaFoundationWorldsGreatestShave
MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by a participant using a template from worldsgreatestshave.com
To verify participation call 1800 500 088 and ask to speak to our media team.
ABOUT WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

WHAT: The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave began in 1998 and today, is
one of Australia’s biggest fundraising events! People get sponsored to shave or colour their
hair and raise funds to support people with blood cancer.

WHY: More than 12,000 Australians will be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or
myeloma this year – equivalent to 31 people every day. Money is needed to continue the
search to find cures and to support families.

WHO: More than 150,000 people from all walks of life are expected to shave or colour
their hair this year. Some will go it alone while others will get a team together.

HOW: Sign up, sponsor or donate at worldsgreatestshave.com
HOW THE MONEY HELPS
World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundation’s biggest fundraiser. Money raised
helps to reduce the impact of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma – through research, and
free emotional and practical support (like transport to and from treatment, and
accommodation for regional Australians who need to move to the city close to hospital).

Today, 31 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or
myeloma. More than 60,000 people are living with one of these blood cancers or a related
blood disorder in Australia right now.

Blood cancer and related blood disorders can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time. With
few clearly identified risk factors and sometimes no real warning, the impact is immense for the
person and their loved ones.

In acute or aggressive cases, the person can require immediate and intensive treatment, often
within 24 hours of diagnosis. For those living in regional areas, it means leaving work, school
and family and relocating to the city, adding to the shock and emotional turmoil.

Treatment for blood cancer can range from months, to several years and generally lasts longer
than treatment for other cancers. This can have a greater impact on relationships with others,
education, career, and financial security. Families can suddenly find themselves in crippling
financial circumstances, especially if the person is also the major breadwinner.

Treatment can be life-threatening and life-changing. Temporary side-effects like hair loss are
common, but there can also be long-term effects, like being unable to have children later on.

While decades of research have improved survival, sadly, not everyone survives. Blood cancer
claims more lives each year than more well-known cancers, like breast cancer and melanoma.
Incidence estimates: AIHW Cancer in Australia, 2012 applied to population and age distribution by state.
worldsgreatestshave.com | facebook/LeukaemiaFoundationWorldsGreatestShave