Staff from Grill’d at Erina, West Gosford and Tuggerah came together for a good cause on Tuesday, October 17, at Erina Fair.
They were taking part in the Grill’d Lose the Locks for Lymphoma campaign which aims to raise a minimum of $5,000 from events taking place across NSW.
The fundraising events will support the 20 Australians diagnosed with lymphoma each and every day.
Lymphoma is Australia’s number one blood cancer, where every two hours another Australian is diagnosed and every six hours a life is lost to the illness.
It is the number one cancer in young people aged 16-29, a statistic that hits hard for the Grill’d team.
The idea came from Area Manager John Anderson, after he faced his own diagnosis and developed a passion for supporting those who helped him.
“Lose the Locks for Lymphoma is an opportunity to bring in more supporters from around Australia,” he said.
“As a team, we want to raise awareness of this cancer and help ensure that patients and families get the support they need, when needed.
“I am one of the lucky ones.
“I was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2020 and underwent treatment straight away.
“I endured a stem cell transplant; and finished my treatments in August 2021.
“It’s a long and tough road.
“Thankfully I am now in remission.
“Everyone’s lymphoma experience is different, mine included, but what helps us get through are the amazing Lymphoma Care Nurses who help patients and families navigate the health system, access the most up-to-date information about lymphoma and take the fear of the unknown out of the journey day after day.”
Assistant Restaurant Manager at Grill’d Erina Fair Jonathan Stiles said staff had embraced the challenge.
“It feels good to do some good,” he said.
“We love being part of something bigger than our own restaurant.
“It will be a difficult experience for us to lose our hair, but nothing compared to having no choice at all.”
Seven staff members shaved or coloured their hair on the day, with some additional guests also putting their hand up to shave through the afternoon.
The shaves were supported by local barbers Matty and Rach from Mister Cuts Barbers Erina who donated their expert skills.
Donations to support the teams can be made at: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/grilldlosethelocksforlymphoma
Lymphoma Australia is a national charity dedicated to making a difference in the lives of lymphoma patients and their families across the country.
As the only organisation in Australia that works solely with lymphoma, its mission is to support Australians touched by lymphoma, raise awareness of the cancer and support research for a cure.
Lymphoma Australia provides Australia’s Lymphoma Care Nurses who are professionally qualified nurses to support people diagnosed to navigate their journey and connect them to support networks.
Article link: https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2023/10/losing-the-locks-to-help-lick-lymphoma/
