Berwick resident Zane Hunter shaved his head for World’s Greatest Shave day. 28361
By Lia Bichel
THREE years ago, Berwick resident Zane Hunter suffered toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and almost died.
Since then he has been in and out of hospital numerous times and on constant medication, but nine-year old Zane is more concerned about the welfare of other sick children, and has braved the shaver in an effort to help.
Until Zane suffered TSS in December 2004, doctors didn’t realize how bad the condition of his kidneys was. He was born with kidney reflux, but had received treatment for it. After suffering from TSS, doctors diagnosed him with Chronic Kidney Disease.
“It’s been such a long process,” said his mother Jodie.
“His kidneys only function about 48 per cent. He gets sick and tired often and gets monitored at Monash Medical Centre. It’s only a matter of time before he needs a transplant. It’s a waiting game now.”
Ms Hunter said fortunately Zane hasn’t had to go to hospital for about a year, but he still feels a personal connection with sick children.
“He gets down in the dumps sometimes, but I remind him that some kids are worse off than him,” she said. “He gets to come out of the hospital, some kids don’t.”
In an effort to help other sick children, Zane decided to participate in the Worlds Greatest Shave. He saw the advertisement on television, asked his mother what leukaemia was, and told her he wanted to shave his head to help children who were sick.
“I have been trying to get him to cut his hair for 12 months, so I was shocked when he said he wanted to do it,” she said. “I am so proud of him.”
Zane told his family members about the event, made a speech to his class, and registered on the Worlds Greatest Shave website. Everyone pitched in and helped Zane raise more than $1000.
Even his grandfather in Queensland rallied behind him, getting co-workers and management at his workplace to chip in money. “It brings tears to my eyes,” he said.
Zane told the News on Friday that he was looking forward to shaving his head. “I feel happy,” he said. “I am really excited about it.”
