By Alesha Capone
Members of the Tarneit Titans Football Club have shaved their heads in a show of support for Zoe Thornton, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Zoe, 26, and her family have been involved with the club since it began in 2014.
She has been a canteen manager, team manager and played for the women’s side – when the club had one – for three years.
Her twin brother Zach is on the club’s committee and their mother was the club’s first president.
Zoe was diagnosed with cancer in April, after attending the gym and experiencing pain in her collarbone and underarm.
Zoe said her GP was “fantastic”, ordering an ultrasound straight away.
Just over a week after being diagnosed, she underwent surgery to remove the lump and is now undergoing chemotherapy.
Zoe said that rather than have her hair fall due to the treatment, she decided to have a “fun” event with her partner Trent and friends to shave her head.
Unbeknown to Zoe, a group of about 10 players from the Titans also decided to get their heads shaved during a training session last month in a show of solidarity.
Zach, who is also participating in Dry July to raise funds for the Cancer Council, has shaved his head too.
“To do it at the drop of a hat, for someone they haven’t known for so long, is genuinely heart-warming,” he said.
Zoe said she was surprised to find out about the players shaving their heads.
“It’s a great football club anyway, but seeing them all do that was so nice and lovely,” she said.
Zoe said she felt lucky that doctors had caught her cancer early.
“You’ve just got to deal with it and try to live the best life possible,” she said.
Zoe said she wanted to remind other people that prioritising health is important.
“You’re never too young to have cancer, make sure you always keep on top of your health, exercise and everything like that,” she said.
