Thanks for taking the time to visit my page. It really means a lot to the both of us.

It’s hard to imagine this time last year. And even harder to express the challenges we’ve faced along the way. But it’s not over yet. Let’s help improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood cancers, and make this journey that little bit easier for future generations.

I’m starting close to home because I can’t let Kate be the only one without hair!!

To show your support please click the “Donate” button or Text CHOP62 £(insert amount) to 70070.

Kate’s Story 

After years of training, Kate had just landed herself the perfect job. But it was all soon to change.

It started with a little bit of back pain mid-2012 which got progressively worse over the next 6 months. After regular visits to see numerous doctors, she was still no closer to an answer. Yet Kate was determined the pain would not stop her from taking her daughter on the trip of a lifetime to Disney World.

But her body had other plans. The whole holiday Kate was in complete agony, unable to enjoy the time with her daughter. The pain had got so bad that she went to hospital in America. Although investigations were inconclusive, Kate was advised to seek further medical attention on her return to the UK.

Back in the UK and she was straight into hospital again, but the doctors were still confused. It wasn’t until late January when a mass was discovered on her spine, however further investigations were needed to confirm what this was. After 2 biopsy’s, a CT scan, an MRI scan, a bone scan, and many X-rays, a confirmed diagnoses of Lymphoma was given on the 1 March.

Chemo was planned for the end of March, but worrying symptoms lead to a further MRI scan. It showed that the tumour had destroyed the vertebrae and according to the doctor, Kate was days away from being paralysed. She was rushed in for an emergency spinal operation and had 6 vertebrae fused. She’s now got two 8 inch rods and 8 screws holding her together.

This set the Chemo back for another 3 weeks. Finally, Kate received her first session mid-April. As if things couldn’t get any worse, she developed an infection and was hospitalised again, this time for over a week. But she was determined not to let this get her down and has since battled through 6 Chemotherapy treatments (R-CHOP). She has now got Radiotherapy to look forward to for the rest of the year.

Yet above all, the worst experience for Kate has been losing her hair. She loved her hair. I also love mine, but I love Kate more. And that is why I’m shaving mine off.

Luke’s Story

I had always wanted dreadlocks. And 7 years ago, Kate and another friend helped me create this style. After 8 hours of painful back-combing, I eventually had them. For the next 6 months I carefully tended to them on a daily basis to make sure they knotted (and yes, they get washed twice a week). They took some getting used to but I still love them. Not just the look, but the sense of freedom they portray. But I can’t let Kate be the only one without any hair.

Social Networking

Please spread the word. Tell everyone, let them all hear about this event. E-mail your friends, watch it on Vimeo or YouTube video, forward the links, ‘like’ it on Facebook, or tweet about it on Twitter. Keep a track of the amount raised and don’t forget to tune in for the next video.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.luke.thedreadedshave

Please donate through the ‘JustGiving’ web page or text message. All money donated goes directly to Bloodwise (formally Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity). They are a leading UK based blood cancer charity at the forefront of research. They are dedicated to improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of all blood cancers, including Lymphoma.

https://bloodwise.org.uk

http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/

To donate:    http://justgiving.com/kate-luke

                        Text CHOP62 £(insert amount) to 70070

***Please select GIFT AID*** This means the charity has permission to reclaim the tax from HMRC for every donation given by a UK tax payer. For instance, a £10 donation will equate to £12.50 for the charity. All you have to do is put a tick in the GIFT AID box.

Thanks

Thanks to those who have spent the time to read this info and watch the video. A special thanks to our close friend Stewart at Soup Creative for making the videos. And we can’t forget the extraordinary healthcare staff who have helped Kate along the way. But most of all, thank you to all who donate.

http://www.soupcreative.co.uk/

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