Mackay Base Hospital theatre assistant Samantha Hutchins is no stranger to showing support to patients facing tough health battles.
After losing many loved ones to cancer, Sam has decided to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave, shaving her head on November 20 to raise funds and awareness for people battling cancer.
Her inspiration is her grandmother, who is currently fighting terminal bowel and oesophageal cancer.
“I’m doing this to show my support for my grandma in her battle,” Sam said.
“She’ll actually be the one to shave my head on the day – that means the world to me.”
Sam has already raised $400 towards her $1500 goal and is hosting a morning tea and raffle to help boost donations.
“I only decided to do this three weeks ago,” she said.
“But it’s such a good cause. Every cent counts and I want to raise as much awareness as possible.”
Sam has worked at the hospital for the last seven years, starting as a wards assistant before moving into her current role in surgery. She’s also studying part-time for her nursing degree while raising three children with a husband who works away ten days each fortnight.
“It’s a balancing act,” she said, “but I really want my kids to know it’s never too late to learn something new or achieve your goals.”
Sam said her passion for healthcare began when her own daughter became seriously ill as a baby.
“Watching the nurses care for her made me curious about what they did – it sparked something in me and it just grew from there.”
Working in theatre could be intense, but Sam finds purpose in being a reassuring presence for patients.
“Theatre can be a scary and very busy place,” she said. “If I can be that calm voice, hold their hand, or get them laughing before surgery, it brings some peace. When they wake up, they usually wake up smiling too.”
Her role includes cleaning and restocking between surgeries, preparing theatres for different procedures and surgeons and assisting in patient prep while ensuring strict sterility.
While she admits she’s nervous about losing her hair, which is currently dyed pink and white, Sam believes it’s a small price to pay.
“There are so many people who don’t have hair because they’re going through chemo,” she said.
“If I can help raise funds and awareness by joining them I will.”
Sam’s hope is that her efforts also remind people that cancer can affect the young or old.
“So many people we see in theatre every day are facing enormous battles,” she said.
“I want people to know it can happen to anyone but that together, we can all help make a difference.”
You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/s/24126/25455/e