SKYCITY NZ Breakers lose their locks for Shave for a Cure

The SKYCITY NZ Breakers opted for a more streamlined look heading into the NBL playoffs as they braved a shave on Thursday 19 February as part of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s (LBC’s) Shave for a Cure campaign.

Mika Vukona, Rhys Carter, Duane Bailey, Reuben Te Rangi , Jordan Ngatai, Tai Wynyard,  Brad Anderson, assistant coaches  Paul Henare and Judd Flavell and SKYCITY NZ Breakers CEO Richard Clarke  all parted with their locks to raise money to help the 6 kiwis diagnosed with a blood cancer or related condition every day.

Their team-mates selected a range of crazy hairstyles including a ‘Frullet’ (Front Mullet), the ‘Jonah Lomu’ the ‘reverse Mohawk’ and the ‘Mr T’ before they fully shaved their heads.  LBC are an official charity partner of the SKYCITY New Zealand Breakers.

“It’s the second year we’ve taken part in Shave for a Cure as a team.  It’s such a great way to help so many people affected by cancer and assist LBC who do such great work,” says SKYCITY NZ Breakers Assistant Coach Paul Henare.

Shave for a Cure is Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s signature fundraising event.  Shave Week runs from March 23 – 29 where hundreds of schools, businesses and individuals will lose their locks and fundraise to help the 10,000 people affected by blood cancers in New Zealand.

The funds raised through Shave for a Cure enable Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, who receive no Government funding, to support patients and families living with blood cancers and blood conditions free of charge across the country.

“We are incredibly grateful to the SKYCITY New Zealand Breakers for getting behind Shave again this year,” says LBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Pru Etcheverry.

“Their huge public profile really helps us raise awareness of our work, so we in turn can help more New Zealanders,” she says.

People can sign up to Shave for a Cure at shaveforeacure.co.nz.

Notes to editors:
•          Shave for a Cure is a bold but simple way of helping the 6 Kiwis who are diagnosed with a blood cancer or related condition every day!  Shave for a Cure is a great way to show solidarity with blood cancer patients -  many of whom lose their hair as a result of life-saving treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
•          Everyone Shaves including individuals, schools, businesses and community groups
•          Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions. www.leukaemia.org.nz
•          LBC does not receive government funding – the dollars raised from Shave help fund our core services including patient support, support and funding for research, awareness and advocacy
To sign up visit: www.shaveforacure.co.nz

Key facts about blood cancers
·       Every day, 6 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma) or a related blood condition that’s about 2,200 New Zealanders a year

·       The cause of blood cancers is unknown.

·       These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning.

·       Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.