Mum’s breast cancer battle inspires young hairdresser’s big chop

Young hairdresser Alison Palmer is hoping her brave decision will be a conversation starter for a topic close to her heart.

Hairdresser Alison Palmer has dyed her hair bright pink and will have it shaved to raise funds for the national breast cancer foundation by her mother Deena Moroney who is a breast cancer survivor. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Alison Palmer hopes her bright pink locks – and soon to be shaved head - will start conversations about breast cancer.

The young hairdresser has been surprised that many women do not examine their breasts for lumps.

Her mother Deena Moroney was 55 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and Alison has decided to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and vital research.

“Mum found a lump and then had a mammogram and it was a shock but she did not have the recessive gene,” Alison said.

Hairdresser Alison Palmer with her mother Deena Moroney. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“She had a lumpectomy and two-and-a-half months’ radiation.

“She decided not to have chemotherapy and was given the all clear in November.

“I felt that working in a female dominated area I could talk to women about breast cancer.

“They are usually very comfortable talking to their hairdresser so I have been having conversations about breast cancer.

“It’s been an eye opener that some are not checking their own breasts.”

Alison, who has been hairdressing for five years, says she has “ditched my signature orange hair” and dyed it bright pink.

“On my 25th birthday on March 31, I will shave my head,” she said.

“I’m changing up my hair for the mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and loved ones who are impacted by this devastating disease.

“Every dollar raised will fund ground-breaking breast cancer research to save lives.”

Alison hopes to raise $5000 and says if she reaches her goal her mother also will shave her head.

To donate got to: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/alisonpalmer

Originally published as Mum’s breast cancer battle inspires young hairdresser’s big chop