You don’t need to be an adult or work at the pointy end of town to make a difference – just ask 11-year-old Charlotte Gishubl, who recently shaved her head to raise money for kids’ brain cancer research at Telethon Kids Institute.
The Presbyterian Ladies’ College Year 6 student raised an incredible $11,165, smashing her $10,000 goal.
“Losing your hair sucks,” Charlotte said. “Losing your hair while undergoing really nasty treatment for cancer that kills more kids than any other doubly sucks.
“I chose to shave my hair off as I had a choice about losing my hair. Kids and brain cancer don’t mix.”
Mum Jennifer Grove said Charlotte had a good sense of helping others as their family were involved in regular philanthropy.
“The decision to shave her head for brain cancer research was all Charlotte’s,” she said.
“She also has a good sense of who she is and is very comfortable in her own skin so losing her hair was not a big deal.”
Telethon Kids Institute paediatric brain tumour researcher Dr Raelene Endersby said Charlotte was an inspiration, showing that anyone can make a difference no matter their age.
“Childhood brain cancers are completely different to the brain cancers that affect adults yet most of the research, and the treatments developed, are for adults. That’s why we are working hard to find better treatments for kids with brain cancer,” she said.
“Thank you for your incredible help, Charlotte. You are a champion!”