When 3 year old Cruz told his Mum in 2016 that he wanted to grow his hair until it touched the ground and then shave it all off and give it to the $2 shop, so they could make wigs for people with cancer, she could have been forgiven for thinking it was all just a pipe dream. Fast forward to June 2021 and the now 7 year old Cruz has done just that and fundraised over $2,000 in the process!
Cruz started growing his hair, originally to be a 'surfer skater dude', but when he lost his great grandfather on his Mum’s side to cancer, he decided to grow it for a wig for a cancer patient. His Mum, Dayna is no stranger to fundraising herself and has completed the SkyTower firefighter stair challenge this year raising funds for Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ, the same charity that runs ‘Shave for a Cure’.
“Cruz has always had a very big heart and cares more about others than himself. He was very close with my grandfather and struggled with losing him. Since losing his Great Grandfather a close friend of mine and my Aunty passed away from cancer also. We found out a couple of months ago that Cruz’s Great Nana on his father's side has Myeloma. Knowing this, Cruz decided not to wait until his hair got to the ground as he wanted Great Nana to be there for it. Unfortunately, Great Nana is not well enough to be at the actual shave, but we did video it and she watched it with immense pride,” smiles Danya.
Shave for a cure raises funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ the New Zealand charity that supports patients and families who suffer from blood cancer. Every day, 7 New Zealanders will be told they have blood cancer and the foundation is there beside them ensuring they don’t have to take the journey alone.
Cruz completed his shave in front of his support crew, friends, family and school mates on June 15th, his other Nana’s birthday. It was an emotional journey for all, and Cruz’s hair was carefully shaved and kept in accordance with the guidelines necessary to allow it to be made into a wig and sent away to Freedom Wigs.
“Hair has to be a certain length, has to be clean and dry and can’t have been dropped on the floor, so there was a lot of planning involved for the day, and what a day it was, so many people have gone into supporting Cruz and we are all so proud of him and his commitment, he is such a great kid.”
And what did the star have to say for himself. Let’s leave the last word to Cruz.
“Thank you so much to all who supported me! I’m a bit lighter, colder but oh so much happier!”
As we went to print, the family shared the news that Great Nana passed away during the week from myeloma. In her last days, she was able to watch Cruz’s video and was extremely proud of her Great Grandson and gave him her seal of approval for his new look. elocal extends their condolences to Cruz, Dayna and their family at this time.