By Nicole Cave (#teamCave/Hartery)
My son, Jayden, has been part of Shave for the Brave since 2012, always standing side by side with his dad. It wasn’t just an event to them, it was their thing, a tradition they shared year after year, creating memories that meant everything to them.
When COVID-19 paused the event in 2020, it was something they both truly missed. I don’t think any of us could have imagined at that time just how much those moments would come to mean.
In January 2023, Jayden’s dad died.
When Shave for the Brave returned later that year, Jayden made the incredibly brave decision to take part again. This time, without the person who had always been right beside him.
Watching him step forward was both heartbreaking and inspiring. He wasn’t just showing up, he was showing strength, love, and courage beyond his years.
That’s when his Poppy Hartery (his dad’s father) stepped in — standing beside Jayden, supporting him through something no child should ever have to face. Together, they carried on the tradition, holding onto the connection to his dad in the most meaningful way.
Then, only 11 months later, Jayden experienced another devastating loss of his Nan Hartery, his dad’s mom.
What was once a father and son tradition has become something even more powerful. Each year, Jayden and his poppy take part not only to support an incredible cause, but to honour the two people they love and miss so deeply.
Every Shave is about more than just hair — it’s memory, it’s grief, it’s love, and it’s a young man finding a way to stay close to his dad and his nan.
While attending the event this year at the Mary Brown’s Centre, I had the chance to speak with YACC executive director Geoff and show him photos from the past. Looking back at those moments — seeing Jayden with his dad, smiling, proud, together — it’s something that brings both tears and comfort.
Geoff asked if I could share those photos, and it truly means so much to be able to pass along a piece of Jayden’s journey. I hope when you look at them, you can feel the love behind every single one.
