Jo’s bit for Dee

By Lia Bichel
FOR nine years, Jo Rankin has watched her cousin battle cancer, endure countless treatments and lose her hair nine times.
Now Ms Rankin, 46, is willing to lose her own locks to raise much-needed funds for her cousin, Berwick resident Deanne (Dee) Sutherland.
Ms Rankin, from Longwarry, had previously hosted other fundraisers to help out her cousin, but said she would need to step up her support since Ms Sutherland was told she would need special treatment brought to Australia from England.
Ms Sutherland, 41, was originally diagnosed with breast cancer, but it has since spread to her liver and spine.
“Each treatment would cost about $4600. It’s very costly and could be ongoing. By shaving my head, I am hoping to raise enough money for at least a couple of those treatments,” Ms Rankin said.
“It was a hard choice because I have never shaved my head, but it was also an easy choice, because I would do anything for Dee. She has a young family and a mortgage to pay.
“I feel helpless and this is my way of helping out. It’s sad that it all comes down to money to make yourself better.”
Ms Rankin said she was nervous to lose her locks, but was inspired by her cousin.
“I have never shaved my head before, and I am a little nervous,” she said.
“Dee has lost her hair nine times so she is used to it, but she understands that losing hair can be tough for a woman. She’s amazed by what I am doing, but she’s amazing, she’s such a fighter.”
Ms Sutherland said she was very grateful for all the support.
“I am so grateful to Jo for continuously supporting me,” she said.
“Without this support, we can’t fund the treatment.”
Ms Rankin will shave her head on 15 April at Paul Fletcher’s It’s Individual Hair Design in Berwick.
Anyone wanting to make a donation that will go towards Ms Sutherland’s treatment can do so at the salon on 6 Loveridge Walk, Berwick.