St Joseph’s College students put their money where their hearts are

TAHLIA Utz is clever, ambitious, athletic and engaging.

She is also a cancer survivor, and at just 18 knows how challenging this journey can be without the support of family and friends.

That’s why Tahlia was so happy to take part in the Colour Explosion Run and Shave for a Cure campaign yesterday at St Joseph’s College in Toowoomba where she is School Captain.

“When I was going through my battle with lung cancer starting in 2020, this school and all the students were so incredibly supportive,” Tahlia, who is in Year 12 – and working hard to become a doctor - says.

“I had two surgeries and chemotherapy, and I lost all my hair – so I won’t shave my head today!

“But it is so emotional seeing my friends doing it because they know what I’ve been through – they are standing with me in solidarity.”

St Joseph’s has always been strong supporters of the annual Shave for a Cure campaign, which raises money for research into cancer.

This year, hundreds of the students across all age groups in the school took part, and it looks as though $20,000 will be raised from their efforts.

Two of those topping the fundraising endeavour are Sophie Wagner, Year 11, who has raised $1250, and Isabella Harch, in Year 10, who raised $1820.

The campaign holds a special meaning for Sophie, who lives with cystic fibrosis.

“Our school is a great community, and everyone has their reasons for wanting to be involved in this,” Sophie says.

“One of my best friends had leukaemia when she was little, so I was motivated to be involved. And having been sick throughout my life, I know what it’s like to be shut up in a hospital.”

St Joseph’s College staff could not be more proud of their students, despite them looking like a vibrant but happy mess following the Colour Explosion Run.

Interact Coordinator at the school Natasha Digweed said the Shave for a Cure campaign (which took place after the run, with 16 students cutting or colouring their hair or shaving their heads) was the school’s biggest annual fundraiser.

“Last year we raised $18,000, so to exceed that this year was a massive community effort,” she said.

“But it is in keeping with our school motto – to support all those who need a helping hand.”