Aquis Gold Coast Titans forward Zeb Taia will this weekend shave his hair off as part of the ‘World’s Greatest Shave’ initiative in support of Cad’s Cause and the Leukaemia Foundation.
Taia has hasn’t had his hair cut for three years and earlier this month decided that the best way he could make a difference was to shave his head to support former Media Manager, Neil Cadigan, and his charity, Cad's Cause, which has dedicated its fund-raising to the Leukaemia Foundation.
With the 32-year-old due to depart in the coming days, he has chosen to do the shave this saturday, 25 February at 10am. Members and fans are invited to attend with the cut happening at Barber Life in Varsity Lakes (288 Varsity Pde, Varsity Lakes)
Cad’s Cause was created in memory of Cadigan’s son, Andrew, who tragically lost his life in a motor accident but also to continue the large amount of work Andrew had done in remembering his mate, Chris Simpson, who died from myelodysplasia (MDS) in 2010.
Cad’ Cause’s major fund-raising initiative is the Leukaemia Foundation’s PHD research program into MDS established to honour of Andrew, who raised around $45,000 for the Foundation during his 15,000km solo walk in 2010-2012. It will cost $180,000 over three years and Team Zeb is hoping to raise the $14,000 needed to reach the target.
“Cad’s Cause is something that I’ve become close to over the past 12 months and as soon I made the decision to shave my head, I knew that I would again want to support this cause.
“I haven’t actually cut my hair for close to three years so it will be a bit of a shock once it comes off.
“I’m really hopeful that the members and fans can get behind me and help us achieve our goal.”
Cadigan is extremely appreciative of the support Zeb is giving to Cad’s Cause.
“Not only is Zeb’s support appreciated greatly by me and the many supporters of Cad’s wish to make a difference, money raised goes to what we hope will be a breakthrough in the treatment of the deadly, yet little known disease, MDS,” Cadigan said.
“When first confronted with the task of raising the full $180,000 it seemed daunting. But the support of third parties like Zeb who learned of Cad and Simmo’s story has now put the target within reach.
“What Zeb is doing, (and I know how much he loves his locks) typifies his great character and the Titans’ genuine devotion to the community that I have been privileged to witness first hand.
“It is also an amazing gesture in continuing Cad’s legacy.”
The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave began back in 1998 and is the only national charity dedicated to helping more Australians survive their blood cancer and to live a better quality of life.
More than 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancer or related disorders, and every day another 35 people will be diagnosed.
To make a donation and to help Taia reach his $14,000 goal, click here.
