“Cancer’s the biggest b***h I know,” Natalie said.
“I lost my nonna to breast cancer on my mum’s side, and I’ve lost family on my dad’s side.
“I remember Mum doing it (shaving her head), so I’ve always wanted to do it; she’s inspired me to do so much.”
Natalie will shed her hair in support of blood cancer research at Corowa IGA on March 26, with her long locks being donated to be made into wigs.
She started planning the cut in November while still living in Sydney and preparing for life at university.
Mum Veronica shook things up when she decided she wanted her kids to experience living in the country and Natalie had to rethink her options.
“I had early entry into uni in Sydney studying youth social work,” Natalie said.
“Then Mum said we’re moving to the country, so I thought I’d better think about what I’m going to do.
“I deferred study, and when I’m ready I’ll go to Charles Sturt or La Trobe down here and study aged care instead.
“It’s been a challenge to organize this cut with the move, but Craig and everyone at IGA have been nothing but supportive.”
There will be a sausage sizzle this Saturday out front of the store to help with the fundraising, and a QR code is available for people to donate.
If Natalie raises less than $750 she will cut her hair to her ears, however, if she raises more than $750 she will have it cut higher.
Natalie’s mum Veronica said everybody had been touched by cancer in some way shape or form and is proud of her daughter’s fundraising efforts.
She moved with four of her eight kids to Corowa two months ago and said it’s the best thing she could have done for them.
“We love it here, it’s like heaven,” Veronica said.
“It’s communal, people actually talk to you, and that sense of community is what I want for my kids.
“What Natalie’s doing to raise money for breast cancer in honour of her grandmother is fantastic.
“I’m sure there is a cure out there somewhere.”
The World's Greatest Shave is an annual fundraising event organized by the Leukemia Foundation to support Australians facing blood cancer.
Participants can sign up to shave, cut, or colour their hair to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer research and support services.
In 2026, the event marks its 28th anniversary, encouraging thousands of Australians to join in the fun and make a difference.
Donate to Natalie’s at www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/nataliekonstadakopoulos/2026or at IGA on March 26.
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