More time, more memories: Jade’s head shave for Charmaine

Icon Cancer Foundation / 09 Jun, 2026

Some friends become family. That’s certainly true for Jade and Charmaine, whose bond has spanned almost 17 years. From celebrating life’s biggest moments to supporting each other through life’s toughest challenges, they’ve always been there for one another.

When Charmaine was diagnosed with brain cancer in March this year, the pair faced a challenge they never expected. As Charmaine underwent brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Jade searched for a way to support her friend, determined to help make a difference.

On 16 June, Jade will shave her head to raise funds for cancer research through the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal.

Her goal is simple: to help fund the research that gives people like Charmaine the chance for more time, more memories and more moments with the people they love.

Support Jade’s fundraiser for cancer research

Icon Group staff member Jade (left) is shaving her head in honour of her best friend Charmaine who was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2026.

A day that changed everything

On 6 March 2026, what began as a normal day for Charmaine quickly took an unexpected turn. While driving to work, she suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital. There, scans revealed a life-changing diagnosis – an anaplastic diffuse glioma (Grade 3) brain tumour.

A week later, Charmaine underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible before beginning radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Despite everything she has faced, Charmaine remains focused on the positives.

“I’m doing okay. I’m mobile and mostly independent, sometimes I’m a little slow, but all things considered I’m still me. And honestly, that blows my mind,” said Charmaine.

For Jade, watching her best friend navigate a brain cancer diagnosis and treatment has been incredibly difficult.

“When Char was diagnosed with a brain tumour, it turned my world upside down,” Jade said.

Like many loved ones supporting someone through cancer, Jade experienced a sense of helplessness. Determined to channel those feelings into something positive, she decided to shave her head and raise funds for cancer research through the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal.

“There is a feeling of helplessness seeing a loved one go through cancer, and I feel like this is something I can do,” said Jade.

Turning friendship into action

When Charmaine was diagnosed, Jade knew she wanted to do something meaningful. As an employee of Icon Group, she understands the important role research plays in improving outcomes for people with cancer.

Through her head shave fundraiser, Jade is raising funds for the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal, which supports independent cancer research and clinical trials led by Icon’s network of doctors and healthcare professionals.

“With the type of cancer Char has, research is her best hope of having more quality time with her loved ones,” Jade said.

Jade hopes her fundraiser will not only raise vital funds for cancer research but also remind others there are meaningful ways to make a difference.

“It is common to feel powerless, so I hope people take away that there are ways to help, and that every day is precious.”

For Charmaine, Jade’s support has been an incredible comfort.

“Since my diagnosis, Jade has been amazing. She is always there – steady, present and ready to talk about whatever I need,” Charmaine said.

Jade’s decision to shave her head has been deeply moving for Charmaine.

“I am so honoured that she is shaving her head to raise funds for cancer research,” Charmaine said. “It’s such a brave thing to do – though honestly, knowing Jade, I’m not the least bit surprised. She’s one of the bravest people I know.”

Since being diagnosed with an anaplastic diffuse glioma (Grade 3) brain tumour earlier this year, Charmaine (left) has undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Her best friend Jade (right) is shaving her head to raise funds for the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal, helping support vital cancer research and clinical trials.

Help make a difference

For Jade, this fundraiser is about giving people like Charmaine hope for the future.

If you’d like to support Jade’s head shave and contribute to life-changing cancer research, please consider making a donation to the Icon Cancer Foundation appeal.

Every gift helps support research that can give patients the chance for more time, more memories and more moments with the people they love.

Donate now to support Jade’s head shave fundraiser

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