The Brave Shave

On the 7th of September, after feeling discomfort for a few days, I discovered I had a tumour in one of my testicles. At the age of 36 with two young children, I never thought this would happen to me.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men under 40. While the survival rate is quite high, surprisingly - for the most common cancer affecting young men - there is limited awareness and virtually no early detection screening taking place in Australia today.

By virtue of the survival rate, the field of testicular cancer is underfunded in terms of awareness, research and technology.

Despite having the tumour removed and being declared cancer free, within one month a routine blood test confirmed our worst nightmare; the cancer had returned. 

While the prognosis is good and I'm expected to make a full recovery, I have now begun intensive chemotherapy treatment during which I will lose my hair - one of the most common side effects.

My lifelong best mates - Aaron Segman, Ben Morley, Leighton Pyke and Rodney Snider - have rallied together to show their support by all shaving their heads. Most of them have had the same hairstyles since the '90s. You have no idea how hysterical this will be for me to see them shave their heads.

My friends have made the commitment to shave their heads to raise funds in order to make an impact on testicular cancer, in particular research and early detection - but we need your help.

Please donate to The Brave Shave. All donations help and will be very much appreciated. 

All the money donated will go directly to ANZUP. Their mission is to conduct clinical research to improve treatments and outcomes of testicular, kidney, bladder and prostate cancers. 

Thanks for your support - together we can make a difference to the young man's cancer.