A MOTHER and son from Longford have raised over $3000 and donated their hair to support breast cancer patients.
Local Year 11 Gippsland Grammar student Luca Covino started growing his hair two-and-a-half years ago with the intention of donating it to a wig-making company in Melbourne.
Luca, 16, wanted to support cancer patients who have lost their hair during treatment after one of his friends was diagnosed with leukaemia. His mother, Melissa Covino, decided that she too would support the cause and raise vital funds for the Footprints Foundation. The Footprints Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation that provide a support mechanism for local women and their families within the Sale and District area currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Hair is Kanyemba kindly donated their services on February 23 at 4pm after school, and performed the big chop in what was a fun afternoon of plating, chopping, shaving and styling.
Luca said he was ready to cut it all off. His hair had grown well past his shoulders.
“Long hair is high maintenance. It feels quite nice now and takes two seconds to dry,” he said.
On the other hand, Melissa had 30cm cut off her hair to donate to the wig-making company, and she realised that it was going to take a while to get used to.
“I’ve always had long hair. I think it was longer when I was born,” she said.
“It is for a great cause, so there is certainly no regrets and it’s a lot easier to wash!”
At the time of print, the pair’s GoFundMe for the cause have raised over $3000, with a goal of $5000. If you would like to join in on the cause, donations can be made by going to https://gofund.me/432d3ced
“Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us,” Melissa said.
“I think breast cancer is more prevalent than most people realise. Unfortunately, I have seen many close friends experience breast cancer and believe that as a community we should support others in any way that we can.”
