In 2015, my friend’s three-year-old daughter, Lily, was diagnosed with cancer. As an oncology nurse, I knew the challenges that she and her family faced. I couldn’t stop thinking about Lily’s beautiful blonde hair, which she’d lose during treatment. I decided to crochet a wig for her. Yarn is much softer on the scalp than a traditional wig. Using yellow yarn, I made a wig with long hair, just like Rapunzel’s from the Disney movie Tangled. Lily loved it, and getting the wig really lifted her spirits. I knew I had to create more wigs for other kids battling cancer.
I talked to my friend Bree Hitchcock, and together we founded the Magic Yarn Project. We converted my garage into a craft room and enlisted other friends to help. We held workshops to teach people how to make the princess-themed wigs, as well as crocheted beanies inspired by kids’ favorite animated characters, from Spider-Man to Minnie Mouse.
Today we have 15 chapters around the United States. Our volunteers, including some who are incarcerated, have created more than 30,000 wigs for children in 51 countries. There is no cost to the children’s families.
Want to help? Visit themagicyarnproject.com, or find us on Facebook.
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