Matildas Star Aivi Luik Raises $30k For Brain Cancer
The midfielder shaved her head following the win against New Zealand.
Take a bow, Aivi Luik.
The Matildas midfielder has raised over $30,000 after shaving her head to raise money for brain tumour research following her brother's devastating diagnosis.
Luik had originally planned to hit the $30,000 target by the end of the friendly series against New Zealand but before a ball had even been kicked, she had already raised her goal total.
It was a terrific night for the Matildas who won over New Zealand 3-1 with Sam Kerr scoring twice.
The 37-year-old's family was left devastated after her brother, Noah Kerwick, 27, was diagnosed with Oligodendrogliomam, a form of brain tumour.
"While they were able to remove 90 per cent of it in surgery, there was a small part that remains," Luik said.
"As you can imagine, this news has been very difficult for him and our family. It's so heart-warming to feel all the love and support."
Luik plays professional football in Pomigliano in Italy and admits it's been incredibly hard to support her brother from afar.
"It's been a tough time for him and there's been times on the phone when I am overseas that he's been quiet and it's just not like him. It breaks my heart to hear him like that.
"I see how this has impacted my family and this is a chance to shine the spotlight and assist other that suffer because of this disease; whether it's themselves, a family member or friend. At the end of the day, the patient suffers but all of the loved ones around them suffer too," Luik said.
Luik's friend and former Football Fern Rebekah Scott had the honours with the clippers.
"I thought it'd be a great idea for her to be the one to shave my head. Stotty is a great friend and watching her battle Hodgkin's lymphoma with so much poise was inspiring, and I couldn't think of a better way to honour the fight of both Noa and Stotty," Luik said.
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesRyan Rosendale