Rose Larkin, 12, will be shaving her head in memory of her aunty, and also for her mum, a cancer survivor. PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND
Emily Ireland
Aunty Sue Parfitt was a big part of Rose Larkin’s life.
So, it was tough when she and Rose’s mum were both diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
But it was even tougher when Aunty Sue lost her cancer battle last month.
“Cancer is very scary . . . it’s hard to explain how I feel,” Rose said.
The 12-year-old Opaki School pupil will be shaving her head next month to raise money for cancer research, and in memory of Aunty Sue.
Rose’s mum Sue Cherry said Rose had wanted to do something positive “to show her love and memory of her aunt”, so she is participating in Shave for a Cure.
“Sue and I were both diagnosed at the same time,” Rose’s mum said.
“I had bowel cancer . . . she had ovarian cancer, and that sort of led to everything.”
After chemo, radiation, and more chemo, Rose’s mum was eventually in the clear, but Aunty Sue’s cancer became terminal about 12 months ago.
“She’s been my closest friend for 30-odd years,” Rose’s mum said.
“Her funeral was beautiful and her message to everyone was to just make the time to spend with family and friends because you never know what is around the corner.”
Rose is hoping to raise $1000 for cancer research and will be shaving her head on July 15 at ConArt.
“Sue’s son Holmes – his girlfriend Alex is doing the shave because she’s a hairdresser,” Rose’s mum said.
“And we have lots of family coming over on the day to support Rose.”
To donate, search for Rose Larkin on shaveforacure.co.nz
