One young Pinjarra girl will make the brave shave in September, to raise money to help fight breast cancer after the illness struck members of her family.
A just 13-years-old, Carmella Sorgiovanni has already seen the effects cancer can have on her family, friends and community.
The last time the youngster had a major haircut was when she was just five-years-old.
Ahead of the big chop on September 30, Carmella has been raising money through charity tins located at various business and through an online fundraising website.
Read more:
Carmella set her pipe dream fundraising target for Breast Cancer Care WA at $5000.
Already, the teenager has raised more than $3000.
Since announcing her intentions, Carmella said her peers had provided support in droves.
"All my friends have been like 'oh my gosh I'm so proud of you’,” she said.
“All my family up in Perth are donating so much and even dad friends have donated.
“Mum and dad are so proud of me for doing this.
“Mum's auntie had breast cancer and also my dad's cousin.
“They're really close to my heart and my friends and I just wanted to make a difference.”
Carmella made special mention of the local businesses who were quick to show there support and chip into the cause.
Pinjarra Hair Professionals have offered their services on the day, popular cafe Jarra Infusion will cater and Carmella’s much-loved Evolve Martial Arts will provide a venue.
Pinjarra Hair Professionals manager Angela Blennerhassett said she was pleased to be able to help Carmella’s cause.
"Ange is really close to our family. She even put posters up and a little tin can at her business,” Carmella said.
Carmella said Evolve Martial Arts, owned by Steve Black, was a special place to her and she was excited to be able to host the charity event at the George Street facility.
“I've been doing this for two and a half years now. It's kind of like a lifestyle,” she said.
“This is where I had the idea and actually asked mum if I could shave my head.”
She also thanked Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke for taking interest in her cause.
Carmella said she was counting down the days until the head shave with excitement.
“I've been wanting to do this for like a year now and it's finally here,” she said.
For more information or to donate visit Carmella’s Facebook page – Beans is Going Bald for Cancer or her My Cause fundraising page.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.
