News

Joondalup Health Campus doctor to shave hair for leukaemia

Feb 25, 2020

The age-old maxim, there but for the grace of God, go I, is a sentiment well and truly appreciated by Joondalup Health Campus doctor Hanna Nies.

Wrongly diagnosed with leukaemia as a child in her home country, Germany, the doctor is now raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation by taking part in their annual event, Shave for a Cure.

“Only quick thinking by my mother, a nurse, saved me from the hasty action of a doctor who thought he’d diagnosed leukaemia from a blood sample he took from me,” she said.

“This doctor decided to put me on his theatre list for the following afternoon to have my right leg amputated below the knee,” she said.  “My mother insisted on seeking a second option and this next doctor correctly diagnosed a rare condition that had affected the bones in my foot.  I certainly did not have leukaemia and neither did I need to have my leg amputated.”

“These days I’m blessed to enjoy running, cycling, hiking, swimming.  I realise how fortunate I am and in support of others who are not so lucky, I feel it is important to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation who do terrific work helping families affected by blood cancer.”

“My maternal grandmother and paternal great uncle in Germany also passed away from Leukaemia and, when my youngest daughter was in grade six, she participated in the Foundation’s Shave for a Cure.  She had a lot of courage and I hope I can match hers when my turn comes!”

Having had her own close shave with leukaemia in the past, Dr Neis is ready for a real shave on 13 March, as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, and is hoping to raise $2000 by losing all her locks. 

Some 41 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day, a number that is set to more than double to 100 a day within the next 15 year. 

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Bill Petch said money raised was critical to support families facing blood cancer. 

“By signing up and raising money you are ensuring families facing blood cancer have someone to turn to every step of the way, access to the best possible care and treatment and a place to call home during treatment,” he said.

Donate to Dr Neis online here.