Shave for a Unicorn

I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine cancer in March 2020.

I had no idea what Neuroendocrine cancer was, or how to pronounce it but I knew I was pretty crook. Yellow really isn’t my colour but I was jaundice, nauseous and in a whole lot of hurt.

I had some major life saving surgery in May 2020 called a Pancreaticoduodetomy (Whipple for short). I had a year and a half off work recovering where I played a bit of post op complication bingo.

I found the Unicorn Foundation online and the information they provided was practical and easy to understand. I was also able to connect in with other services they offer, education days and coffee catchups. Yes there have been other agencies that have helped too but most people know about them. Know them before you need them.

I didn’t lose my hair during the process as chemo wasn’t an option, hence the major surgery. I’m happy to lose my locks for a good cause and pay it back.

A word from my niece Anneke who is very excited about shaving my head:

“Hi, I’m Anneke and I’m fundraising for the Unicorn Foundation. My Cool Aunty T is going to let me share her hair off if she reaches her target of $500. My Cool Aunty T is supporting Unicorn Foundation because it has helped her lot’s the past year. Unicorn Foundation helps all kiwis affected by Neuroendocrine Cancers. They got their name Unicorn Foundation because Unicorns are rare and they help people with rare diseases and cancers”.