A thousand dollars could buy Byron Bay High School students something rarely offered at the cake stall: a bald principal.
Principal Janine Marcus has pledged to shave her head if a quick-fire school fundraiser raises $1,000 for student Livi Eddington, who is receiving experimental treatment for brain cancer in the United States.
The deputy principal has joined the challenge, promising to lose her locks too if donations reach $20,000.
The school is rallying behind Livi with a fundraising day tomorrow, Friday, October 16, combining casual clothes, live music, a sausage sizzle, cakes, snow cones and ‘We Stand With Livi’ caps.
Teacher Kelley Caoyonan said students were eager to support their friend and help his family meet the substantial costs of treatment overseas.
The cohort just wanted to do something for him,’ Ms Caoyonan said.
‘Everyone just wants to get behind him and support him.’
Year 12 advisers Lara Cranfield and Leah Miles have been key organisers of the fundraiser and the school’s support for Livi.
The Byron teenager, who recently turned 17, is undergoing an experimental CAR-T cell therapy trial in North Carolina for a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
His family says he is believed to be the first patient with his specific tumour type to receive the treatment.
After a recent treatment, Livi suffered seizures and required intensive care, adding significantly to the family’s medical expenses.
The school has established a separate, short-term GoFundMe campaign, with fundraising closing at 1.30pm tomorrow.
Students can contribute a gold coin to wear suitable casual clothing, buy a $25 fundraiser cap, grab a $4 sausage sandwich or cool down with a $3 snow cone.
Members of the wider community can also donate to help turn the principal’s promise into reality by donating directly on the GoFundMe page.
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