“I don’t like knowing I haven’t made a difference in the world.”
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At the age of 11, Caitlyn Toomey has an extraordinary sense of social awareness, deciding to shave her head and raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave.
“It has always been on my bucket list to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave and I am really glad that I was able to do it this year,” Caitlyn said.
Despite no family connection to leukaemia, Caitlyn said she thinks it is important to help people who are in need of help.
“Just because I don’t have someone in my family who has had leukaemia that shouldn’t stop me from helping,” she said.
“These days everyone knows someone who has been through cancer and some of my friends have family members who have had to fight cancer and I just think if I can help, why not?”
On April 6, in front of her all school mates at St Agnes’ Primary, Caitlyn, with help from her hairdresser mum, shaved her hair.
“I wasn’t really nervous or scared on the day, I was mostly excited about what was about to happen.
“My hair reached half way down my back, so we made two braids and before I knew it they were gone.
“The most surprising thing I think was when mum had cut one braid and my head felt heavy on one side and very light on the other.”
At the assembly Caitlyn announced to everyone that as well as shaving for the World’s Greatest Shave she would also be donating her hair to make wigs for little girls going through cancer treatments.
“My hair is not a defining part of me and because it is just hair it will grow back.
“But I wanted to donate my hair to a little girl who doesn’t have the choice if she has hair or not.”
Parents Andrew and Lisa say they are incredibly proud of their daughter who has spear headed the whole campaign.
“Last year when it was World’s Greatest Shave time Caitlyn said she wanted to do it this year and we thought it might just be a phase or something,” Mr Toomey said.
“But she kept mentioning it and by last December it was clear it was something she really wanted to do.
“She has a heart of gold and we are so proud that she is owning her decision and is passionate about wanting to help others in any way she can.”
So far Caitlyn has raised over $1600 with a goal of raising $2000.
“Originally I had a goal of $250 but we smashed that so we raised the bar to $750 and then to $1000 and now I am trying to raise $2000 which would fund a break through project for one week,” Caitlyn said.
“I am really passionate about bugs and when I am older I want to be an entomologist and researchers are looking at a blue scorpion who might hold the key to finding a cancer cure so I would like to help see if that is the case.”
To donate to Caitlyn click here.