Team Thompson might look a little bit different, but “hair is just hair” according to mum Rachel.
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On Saturday, the Launceston family shaved their heads in support of four-year-old Henry, who is currently undergoing intensive treatment for Acute Lymphoblasic Leukaemia.
Through the World’s Greatest Shave, Andrew, Rachel and their seven-year-old son Justin have raised more than $10,000.
Rachel said it “felt a bit weird” to not have any hair, but was happy Henry felt supported.
“He shaved his head a couple of weeks ago, because his hair was starting to fall out and irritate him because of his treatment,” she said.
“So now I think he is just really happy that we all look the same.
“We are one big bald family.”
The family moved to Tasmania in 2017 for a fresh start after Henry made it through two years of intensive treatment for leukaemia.
In November he was given the all clear, but sadly just months later he would relapse.
With doctors and a support network in Sydney, the family made the difficult decision to leave their new life in Tasmania to be with Henry during his treatment.
For the past two months he has been undergoing a second round of chemotherapy at the Sydney Children’s Hospital.
To show their support, the Thompsons decided to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave in the hope that a cure would one day be found to spare other children from what Henry was going through.
On Saturday, they came together for the big event and to celebrate reaching their fundraising target.
With Henry’s treatment ongoing, Rachel said she continues to be blown away by his bravery.
“I have said it before but kids are just resilient,” she said.
“He has his bad days of course, but he is being so brave.
“He is managing his chemo and he has been on steroids now, so the food cravings have been interesting. But everything we could do to keep the weight on his helps.
“We are optimistic, but sadly I don’t think we will be back in Tasmania any time soon.”
This year marks the Leukaemia Foundation’s 20th year for World’s Greatest Shave.
The blood disease affects more than 60,000 Australians, with one person diagnosed every 41 minutes.
Rachel said the family had been overwhelmed by the support received in Tasmania and interstate and were very happy to have reached their fundraising goal.
Donations to Team Thompson can still be made online.