Bone cancer survivor to shave his locks for charity

Six years after Zavion Richards was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2013, the larger-than-life 10-year-old is raising funds for Perth Children’s Hospital by shaving his wild curly red hair.

He was treated at PMH by specialists in the tumour clinic but after his first surgery, the tumour returned double the size.

A decision was made to use a trial mix of chemotherapy and bone reconstruction treatment.

After chemo, donated bone marrow was constructed and implanted into his shoulder and Zavion made a full recovery.

Zavion’s mother, Busselton Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jo Richards, said although she was always positive and remained strong, it was a tough time for the family.

“The doctors said they had never seen a case of this type of bone tumour in a child so young and bones so small,” she said. “I kept reassuring Zav that he was important and unique and the hospital staff were amazing.

“He always asks me ‘When can we go back to hospital?’, and I have to remind him that hopefully not for a very long time.

“From the time Zav was in hospital until now, he has always said that he wanted to grow his hair and then shave it to raise money.”

Zavion still requires regular check-ups to ensure the cancer doesn’t return.

He is hoping to raise $3000 for Give Me 5 For Kids, which helps the families of sick kids from regional WA.

“They helped me so I wanted to help them back because my doctors were really nice,” he said.

The shave will be at the Busselton Chamber Business After 5 event on June 10 from 5.30pm at the Lock-Up Cafe on Queen Street.

To donate to Zavion’s cause, visit give.everydayhero.com/au/zav-s-crazy-shave.