Sandra Wicks shaving her head for Cancer fundraiser nephew in need

Local social worker Sandra Wicks is saying goodbye to her locks this Sunday in support of her nephew Cooper, who is undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his femur.

“It was on the 9th of November, when my 18-year-old nephew, who had just finished his HSC and been accepted into a pre-Medicine program at university was diagnosed,” said Sandra.
Just days later, Cooper began a gruelling 29-week chemotherapy treatment protocol.

“There are many side effects of chemotherapy, one of which has seen Cooper lose his hair,” said Sandra.

But in February this year, surgeons had to remove 25 cm of Cooper’s femur to remove the tumor and save the majority of his leg.

“Copper has to be an inpatient for all of his treatment at the Chris O’Brien Life House RPA in Sydney, with his mother Kylie constantly by his side,” said Sandra.

“His father Jason has been trying to continue to work and look after the house back in Orange… visiting Cooper as often as possible.”

At 5pm, this Sunday at the Gladstone Hotel, Sandra will shave her head to raise money for the Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Research association, the peak body for sarcoma research, education and awareness.

“I just want help to get awareness out there about this horrible cancer,” said Sandra. “If you can’t make it to the shave, you can still support this cause by donating directly to the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association, or through Every Day Hero. Just go to the website (everydayhero.com/au/) and type in ‘Hoops4Coops Kicking Osteosarcoma’s Butt’. You will then see our campaign information.”