Townsville and Icon Group supports World’s Greatest Shave

Blood cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia, claiming more lives than breast cancer or melanoma. Every two hours, an Australian loses their life to blood cancer and every day another 35 people will be diagnosed. Icon Cancer Care in Townsville has been delivering exceptional cancer care services for the local community for over five years, and this year is showing support for people living with blood cancer.

Haematologist, Dr Edward Morris and Icon nurse, Anita Fowler will be shaving their heads today in the 21^st year of World’s Greatest Shave.

Dr Morris has been providing care to the residents of Townsville for nearly 12 years, and Anita has been an oncology nurse for the last 24 years. Both have made the commitment to shave as a sign of support.

“The pressure on all of our services, which include emotional and practical support and the provision of vital, disease specific information and education, will only continue to grow and be put under pressure.”

Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave aligns with Icon Group’s mission to reduce the burden for people living with cancer and their loved ones.

“Cancer patients often require treatment for many months which has an enormous impact not only on the patient, but the patient’s family and friends. It remains our core mission to deliver the best care possible, to as many people as possible, as close to home as possible,” said Mark Middleton, CEO of Icon Group.

“Since opening in 2013, our Townsville centre has been able to provide world-class care, closer to patient’s homes and their families. Alongside the services of the Leukaemia Foundation, we are proud to support the local community.”

Across the Icon Group national network, over 20 staff members are braving the shave and have all together raised over $30,000.