Classmates Rally for Grace Quinlan with Wig Wednesday Fundraiser

Six-year-old Grace Quinlan, a student at Winchester Rural School, has been courageously battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for the past 18 months. To support her during this challenging journey, her classmates are participating in a fundraising event for Wig Wednesday on September 10, 2023. This initiative, now in its tenth year, is organized by the Child Cancer Foundation and encourages participants to wear wigs, create unique hairstyles, or shave their heads in solidarity with children facing cancer.

Grace, who lost her hair last year, is a fan of Disney characters and often finds it difficult to see her peers with long hair. “The school’s involvement in Wig Wednesday helps others understand her cancer journey and promotes awareness that not everyone looks the same,” her mother, Mrs. Quinlan, explained. “This event raises money for a charity that has been incredibly supportive of our family.” The school has adapted to Grace’s needs, accommodating her absences due to chemotherapy treatments and ensuring she feels included among her classmates.

Understanding the Challenges of Childhood Cancer

Grace was diagnosed in October 2022, shortly after her fourth birthday. Currently, she is in the maintenance phase of her treatment, which is expected to conclude in December, just before the holiday season. Mrs. Quinlan described the journey as fraught with challenges. “This situation is not typical for children, and every experience is unique. The unexpected can be overwhelming, with numerous hospital visits for blood tests and other checks,” she noted. “If Grace has a fever over 38 degrees Celsius, we must go straight to the hospital, which can lead to extended stays.” Despite these hardships, Grace remains resilient and eager to return to school.

“She has been in the hospital recently but just wants to be back in class with her friends,” Mrs. Quinlan added. Looking ahead, she expressed uncertainty about Grace’s transition after treatment. “We hope her immune system will recover, allowing her to participate in activities she enjoys, like karate and swimming lessons. We’ve missed many social events due to the need to protect her from infections.”

Community Support and Fundraising Goals

The demand for assistance from the Child Cancer Foundation has surged, with referrals increasing by 19.2% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Monica Briggs, the foundation’s chief executive, emphasized the immense pressure families face when a child is diagnosed with cancer. “Every week, three families in New Zealand receive the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer. Our support is vital during these difficult times,” she stated. The foundation provides essential services, including petrol vouchers, counselling, and accommodation, to families navigating this challenging landscape.

The Wig Wednesday fundraiser has raised $1.5 million since its inception, with a goal of collecting at least $250,000 this year. As the foundation relies entirely on donations, it needs to raise $6.5 million annually to sustain its operations. Briggs highlighted the importance of community involvement: “Wig Wednesday is not just about fun; it’s about demonstrating to children facing cancer that their community stands with them, offering strength, hope, and practical support every step of the way.”

Those wishing to contribute can visit the Wig Wednesday website, text “WIG” to 3457 to donate $3, or participate by wearing a wig or styling their hair in a creative way throughout the month of September.