World’s Greatest Shave for Isaac at Mitre 10

‘Isaac’s Crew’ will be taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave at Sunshine Mitre 10 on Saturday March 25 to raise $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Leukemia is a frightening diagnosis at any age, but it is particularly difficult for a child and their family. 

“Two years, two months and 28 days, after hearing the words no parent wants to hear, my 12 year old son Isaac has finally finished treatment for Leukemia,” said Sunshine Mitre 10’s Paul Barber. 

“It has been a long and hard fight, but he has come out the other side and is ready to take on the world. As bad as a cancer diagnosis is, I consider Isaac lucky as the Doctors told us very early on that this is the best type of cancer to get as it has the best cure rate (97%), and while it will be long and hard, he should live a full and normal life. Those words meant the world to me.”

Blessed with a tight family unit and supportive and caring employers, the Barber family faced down Isaac’s treatment with strength and a positive attitude.

“There is so much that I have learned through this journey,” Paul said. “But I have to say the biggest lesson learned has been to make every day count. Family is important and work life balance is important. You need to make time for what is important right now. 

“I consider myself lucky that through the whole period from diagnosis to cure, I have had the support of my employer. The amount of time off required, the number of days working from home, the number of times I have had to leave early. I would normally work more than the allotted 38 hours, but this situation saw me working at strange hours, one day in the office the next day working at 9pm in a hospital room as this fit into my son’s inconsistent schedule. I couldn’t have survived had I not had the support from my employer, and I am forever in their debt.”

On Saturday the 25th of March, Sunshine Mitre 10 will be hosting the World’s Greatest Shave, and ‘Isaac’s crew’ are leading the charge with a goal to raise $10,000.

“As a parent, while you are so happy that your own child is coming through the treatment well, there is always a certain amount of guilt that other children are not. The Leukemia Foundation does such incredible work, supporting patients and their families and I really don’t know how many people would get through without it.” 

The Shave for a Cure is starting at 9am at 980 Nambour Connection Road. There will be free face painting, a free sausage sizzle and the opportunity to support a fantastic cause and have a morning of fun with the family. See this link to register your support.