Moruya triplets to shave their heads for leukaemia fundraiser

It will be a moment of immense pride and anticipation as Moruya triplets Emme, Kade and Jace Ramsay take part in the World’s Greatest Shave for leukaemia on 11 March.

Born at just 32 weeks, the triplets and their mum, Jedda Reeves, spent a lot of time in Sydney’s Westmead Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, where they met many families with children battling leukaemia.

“It was heart-wrenching, especially at Westmead because it’s a hospital people turn to as their last avenue of help,” says Jedda.

“A lot of the people we met were from the country so they’d travelled far to get there and often the mothers were separated from their other children and partner who stayed at home.

“But the thing I remember was the strength they had, which got me through the tough times.”

Fortunately, the triplets are now happy six-year-olds, currently attending St Mary’s Primary School in Moruya.

Jedda decided this would be the year her family gave back to those who still have sick children.

“I have three energetic, healthy kids and it would be nice to help those who don’t,” she says.

A television advert for the World’s Greatest Shave reminded Jedda of the time her colleagues at Moruya Pharmacy raised a lot of money for cancer by taking part in Shave for a Cure.

“I saw the advert and thought, ‘What a great thing to do,'” she says. “Hopefully, being triplets, we can get a bit of notice for this cause.”

A local hairdresser has offered to shave the triplets’ hair at their home or school while Jedda films the event.

While Kade and Jace have short hair, Emme’s hair is past her shoulders. Jedda has therefore given Emme the option of colouring her hair, or for the mother and daughter to brave the shave together.

The shave aims to send a message of hope and solidarity to the 47 Australians who are diagnosed with leukaemia each day.

Funds raised provide families facing blood cancer with the special care they need following a diagnosis, including accommodation near lifesaving treatment at no cost, and access to specially trained blood cancer support workers.

The money can also help families put food on the table and pay for rent or bills during a difficult time.

Jedda knows all too well the hardship of being separated from family during a time of need. She was admitted to hospital at 20 weeks with the triplets. Her partner visited often, but he had to return to Moruya for work.

“I was away from my family for so long and at a stage when we didn’t know if the triplets would survive,” she says. “It was such a hard journey to be alone while facing the prospect of not bringing my babies home, or them having severe difficulties.”

Jedda wants the World’s Greatest Shave event to not only raise awareness for leukaemia, but also for the lack of specialist care in the bush.

“Living in a country area, we are so restricted by the services that are available to us,” she says. “There are so many people travelling from the country to the city to get help, but we don’t see them and that needs to change.”

The World’s Greatest Shave will take place between 10-14 March and people can donate to the triplets at Moruya Pharmacy or by clicking here.