Cancer researcher Vaishnavi Veeraraghavan will climb mountains and even cut off her hair to fundraise for her work – all because she has a very personal connection to the cause.

When Vaishnavi was studying for her HSC, her mother was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“I spent so much of my HSC study time at the hospital with my mum, my parents couldn’t even come to my graduation,’’ she said.

Not only did her mother recover well, but her journey inspired Vaishnavi to become a researcher.

“When I was in high school, I wasn’t on a research path at all. I was interested in science but then everything changed after mum’s diagnosis. My parents were very happy that I pursued this career and that I’m doing something that can make a difference.”

Now Vaishnavi is taking her commitment to her work even further – taking part in the CMRI 3 Peaks Challenge to climb three of Australia’s tallest mountains to fundraise for her work and she is also cutting off her incredibly beautiful and exceptionally long hair!

“When my mum lost her hair, which in Indian culture is very important to us, it was very hard for her,’’ Vaishnavi said. “Hair really embodies femininity, and it is very important for an Indian woman’s identity, it is very celebrated, so it was hard for that to be taken away from my mum, without a choice.

“I wanted to cut all my hair off as part of this fundraiser and my family have been very supportive.’’

Cutting off her hair may seem confronting – but climbing three peaks is going to be tougher as Vaishnavi admits she isn’t much of an outdoor adventurer.

“I’m really throwing myself in the deep end. I hope people will donate to see me suffer!

“I did the City to Surf for the first time, to get fit. I’m also encouraging my lab mates to do bushwalks with me. The lab have been really supportive.’’

Vaishnavi is hoping people will support her fundraising and is asking the public to donate.

“The research we are doing has such an important place alongside clinical research. To think about patients who are in pain and suffering – that’s what keeps you motivated as a researcher. Having that awareness is really important and the empathy.

“Research can be exhausting but that connection to people is very important because it gives everyone hope.

“My connection to cancer inspired me to do something outside of research to create a discussion and awareness about what we do as researchers.’’

Donate here to support Vaishnavi’s challenge CMRI - Vaishnavi Veeraraghavan