The touching reason why AFL star Ben Brown shaved off his iconic curly locks: ‘A true testament to the power of the human spirit’
- Ben Brown shaved his head for a special purpose
- The AFL star’s cousin suffered from leukaemia
- Brown donated money to Challenge
Melbourne Demons star Ben Brown has shaved off his famous locks in honor of his cousin Grace’s fight against leukaemia, and to raise money for children living with cancer.
The AFL premiership winner, 30, showed off his new streamlined look at Yarra Park on Saturday, where he was surrounded by families and fans to support the noble cause.
Brown will donate the money and proceeds to the Challenge Organization, a non-profit organization that supports children with cancer.
The charity means a lot to the footy star, as Brown’s 17-year-old cousin Grace endured two bouts of leukemia — and in Brown’s eyes, getting out of the clippers was the least he could do.
“Grace has had a pretty rough time all her life… she was diagnosed with leukemia when she was six,” Brown shared Channel 7.
Melbourne Demons star Ben Brown has shaved off his famous locks in honor of his cousin Grace’s fight against leukaemia, and to raise money for children living with cancer
The AFL premiership winner, 30, showed off his new streamlined look at Yarra Park on Saturday, where he was surrounded by families and fans to support the noble cause
“She went through many years of treatments, many years in the hospital, had a few years everything was great and then relapsed and was diagnosed with leukemia again.
“Fortunately, Grace is back in remission for the second time after an amazing new technology called CAR T-cell therapy.”
Challenge thanked Brown for his efforts on their official Instagram page.
“Your support means the world to us, and will make a tangible difference to the lives of young people like your cousin, Grace, who are facing the tremendous challenges of cancer,” Challenge wrote.
“With the money you have raised, we can provide essential support services, accommodation and recreational programs to help them along their journey.
“It is encouraging to see how you have turned your personal experience into a force for good, and we are honored to be a part of that journey. Your compassion and kindness are a true testament to the power of the human spirit, and we are proud to call you a friend of Challenge.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and for reminding us that in difficult times we can still find hope and strength through the support of our communities.”
Brown says his cousin, who also has Down syndrome, is back in school and very happy.
Brown says his cousin, who also has Down syndrome, is back in school and very happy
Brown, who made his AFL debut with North Melbourne in 2014, admitted he hasn’t cut his hair in a decade
“Obviously she’s had developmental issues during the trip, especially considering that with all her time in the hospital and dealing with these multiple cancers, she missed a lot of school,” he shared. 7NEWS.com.au.
“She’s a great kid, she’s the life of the room, she likes to party, she likes to dance… from the moment someone meets her she just makes someone’s day better.”
“The world is such a better place with Grace in it and I’m really proud to have her as my cousin and I couldn’t imagine life without her.”
Brown, who made his AFL debut with North Melbourne in 2014, admitted he hasn’t cut his hair in a decade.
The Demons will tackle the Bulldogs in their 2023 season opener on March 18 at the MCG.
