At just three years of age, Jane Olsen of Katoomba is facing an uphill battle against cancer.
Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at age two, she has lost her hair during chemotherapy treatments which has sparked a family friend, Emma Argall, into shaving her head this month to help with fundraising.
“Jane rocks her bald head and, despite her full-on treatment, seems to continually buzz and zing about like any other three-year-old,” Ms Argall, 38, also of Katoomba, said.
“Jane's parents Angus and Rachel Olsen own CafeXpresso, the fantastic kiosk at the top of the stairs at Katoomba station, pre-dawn sustainer of many a bleary-eyed commuter and due to their gazillion trips back and forth to Westmead, often lengthy and just as often often with no notice, sometimes the shop isn't able to open which can be rough.
“I plan to be chilly around the ears in winter like Jane and support them in whatever way this hare-brained (ha!) scheme can manage.”
The event will be held in Katoomba on Saturday May 27 from 4-6pm at Gallery ONE88 finearts [186-188 Katoomba Street].
Sharon Peralta, who co-owns the art gallery, said they were also keen to support the family, which is why they volunteered their venue.
“Cancer is heinous and I hope that we can get them as much support as possible,” Mrs Peralta said.
“I can't imagine trying to run a business whilst battling something like that in anyone, let alone a child.
“The Olsens are friends of ours, prominent members in St Hilda’s Church and are very supportive of the local community.
“As small business owners it is very difficult to work continuously through something like this.”
Jane’s father, Angus Olsen, a barista and cartoonist, said his family have been grateful for the continued support and called Emma’s shave gesture “extraordinary”. It has already raised $4,500.
“We've been using the money people have generously given through Emma's fundraiser to maintain the car we use to take Jane to chemotherapy," Mr Olsen said.
“For petrol and parking, food on the fly in hospital and out. Little things we've needed to make Jane more comfortable and have a better quality of life while she fights.”
Angus Olsen’s artworks will be available for sale on the night to assist in the fundraising effort.
Euphoria Hairdressing in Leura will shave Ms Argall’s hair and dignatories including MP for Macquarie Susan Templeman and Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, as well as Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill are set to attend.
For details about the fundraising event or to sponsor Ms Argall go to: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/147599/better-balding-through-fundraising.
I can't imagine trying to run a business whilst battling something like that in anyone, let alone a child.