Shave, colour to mark milestone

When two-year-old Ethan Mason was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, his dad Aaron shaved his head to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Now five, Ethan is about to finish his final chemotherapy treatment, which father and son will mark by taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

The Geraldton family have just begun their fundraising efforts, with the national event taking place from March 10 to 13.

After a long three-year journey, the Masons know all too well what families involved in the foundation go through, after their firstborn was diagnosed in December 2012.

Mum Linda took Ethan to the doctor after he appeared unwell, and when blood results revealed leukaemia their life was uprooted to Perth for immediate treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Mr Mason said it was one of the most difficult times the family has faced.

“On top of Ethan’s diagnosis, Linda was 31 weeks pregnant with Ethan’s little brother at the time,” he said.

“We had to uproot our life in Geraldton to live in Perth for 10 months.

“I had to return to Geraldton for work, but then joined my wife and children in April 2013 as Linda’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Now back at home, the family will face one last trip to Perth for Ethan’s final round of treatment this month.

But for little Ethan, the thing he’s most excited for is being able to colour his blonde hair a shade of bright green and yellow.

"It’s important to help so people can get better,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t everyone want to have bright hair like I’m going to have?”

Through Aaron shaving his head and Ethan colouring, the Masons hope to raise $1120 for other families impacted by blood cancer.

Excited for the potential funds the family could raise, there’s also one small thing Mrs Mason is looking forward to about the shave.

“It’ll be nice when my husband stops stealing my shampoo in the shower,” she laughed.

“Really though, we want to be able to give back to a foundation that’s been a huge support to us in what was a really difficult time.”

To make a donation to the family, click here.

To sign up for the shave, click here or phone 1800 500 088.