Girl shaves head in the name of dead father
Surrounded by her family and encouraged by her school mate’s, 11-year-old Karen Whebell shaved her head in the name of her dead father and the Leukaemia Foundation at Hillcrest Christian School at the Gold Coast yesterday.
Her father Tony Wheebell was diagnosed with non-hodgins lymphoma almost two years ago.
Sadly he lost his battle only one day before his daughter had planned to shave her head as a symbol of support for people suffering with cancer.
But that didn’t stop the courageous little girl, her father’s death made her even more determined to support the cause.
“I’m going to be shaving my head to show my love and support for dad,” Karen said.
While singing the national anthem moments before the brave shave, the room was filled with tears and sniffles.
But by the first strike of the clippers, sorrow turned into hysteria. Two hundred and eighty school kids stomped their feet and cheered her on.
“I think she is so incredible brave and amazing. I would never been able to do it,” said classmate Emile Milnes.
“When Karen’s dad lost all his hair she wanted to lose her hair as well, so they could be baldies together,” said Mum.
“I think she is a very courageous little girl that loves her dad very much,” she added.
Karen has spent the past three months raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.Tracy Lowry, Regional Fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation said at the beginning of the foundation we asked the world to shave, little did we know that an 11-year-old girl would raise over 22000 dollars.
“She is now the country’s second highest individual fundraiser.”
Her selfless act is a reminder for us all.
Linda Hausken's Journalist Blog 
This blog’s great!! Thanks :).
Thanks for posting this story. As a friend of the family, it was truly a highlight for them in a rather hard journey
Karen’s mum here. Thank you for picking up on the story of my brave daughter. She has now reached almost $30,000. This is a tribute both to her, and her father Tony and their faith.
Hi Alison,
It was one of those events that will stay with me for a long time..the courage of both you, Karen and Tony is an inspiration for all of us. And people should be aware that such love and courage exists in the world.
You and youre family are supporting a great cause. I have lost two familiy memebers to cancer, so creating awerness is a way of reaching out and helping those who are affected..
Congratulations on the big number. Hope you guys are doing ok.
Kind Regards,
Linda Hausken