The Hair Holiday

Hair loss during cancer treatment is tough, for children and adults alike. But what if we could make this familiar but uncomfortable side effect of chemotherapy a little less painful?  What if family, friends, schools and medical professionals could talk about the situation in a way that's a little more lighthearted? Help us spread the idea that, in hope,  the current situation of hair loss is just temporary and to remind ourselves that it's who you are on the inside that counts the most!



As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, my goal is to raise funds to print 500 books of "The Hair Holiday" bulk and give them away to get encourage families in need.  Any extra funds will be donated to the Box Family and Children's Cancer Institute.



HOW CAN YOU HELP?



PAY IT FORWARD : $5 or more

For every $15 you kindly give we will donate one Hair Holiday book to an organisation who works with hair loss patients or a family in need!  eg. donate $150 and we’ll send 10 books in honour of you (or someone you love) to organisations including  Children's Cancer Institute  and Camp Quality .  Thank you!



BUY A COPY : $19 each posted to you (Within Australia)


Buy one or several books this September during Childhood cancer awareness month and we’ll post them direct to you!  Please write SEND TO ME PLEASE when you donate and contact you regarding delivery in November. Thank you!



SPREAD THE WORD :  free
Spread the word with people who love to do good deeds.  Please like and share on social media (facebook and instagram) and talk about this idea with other people.  The book run requires 500 books to be printed for the bulk rate and we are determined to make it happen!






WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE HAIR HOLIDAY?



As the organiser of this campaign, I'm Maddie, a mum, a family photographer and a friend of the Box family.  When beautiful Violet was diagnosed with neuroblastoma I offered to photograph the Box family a few days before treatment started (and their lives changed forever).  During the session I chatted to Violet's mum, Colleen, about Violet’s beautiful long hair and we spoke of how hard it might be when it was expected to fall out.  

On the way home, my heart ached for a little girl and the journey ahead and one of the most obvious side effects, hair loss. By the time I got home, The Hair Holiday book had been birthed in my mind. Over the next few days I created a first draft booklet, did some rough illustrations, printed it at home and had it posted to the hospital for Violet to read before the hair loss began. It was well received and lightened their load just a little and because something that Violet often re-reads.  

Over the coming months I had comments from families and staff who work with patients and had heard of the book, were touched by the concept and thought that the idea was one worth spreading!

Over the next year or so, I refined the story, had it illustrated by a talented friend Bree , researched printing quotes and worked out how to get The Hair Holiday out into the world!  

Violet is a brave little warrior and her family is nothing but inspiring in their grace, strength and hope as they walk this journey. Violet is currently undergoing another round of treatment and her hair is on it’s second holiday. But we are believing it will return from holidays again soon!  



My hope is that everyone whose hair goes "on holiday", has it come back and perhaps in the future, with new research and cures, there will be no more hair holidays. This campaign is all about making a little difference where we can xx 



“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”  Wayne Dyer






TESTIMONIALS



“I really like the strategies given to cope with the various feelings associated with hair loss and the appreciation of the person as a whole rather than just their  looks/hair. As an oncology OT I am happy to let parents know of your book!”   Emma, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Brisbane



“Our two year old was recently diagnosed with Leukaemia and our OT shared your book with us. We love it!  I was keen to track you down to say thank you!  We have two older children as well and they love it too. Our boy is losing his hair as I type... so a heartfelt thank you for creating such a beautiful story and for being willing to share it with others in need. Big virtual hug!”   Nicole, Parent, Brisbane



Violet Box and her family - Their Journey 



WHAT IS THE FUNDING USED FOR?



Funds will cover printing 500 softcover copies, publishing/design/packaging/postage & handling and associated fundraising fees. As the inspiration for the story, $2 from each book will go towards making this Christmas a little easier for Violet's family this Christmas as she undergoes another round of treatment.  Just to make their journey a little lighter.  If we make the full goal, final extra funds from this fundraiser will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute amazing work (www.ccia.org.au).

DETAILS & DELIVERY



The book is an illustrated 210mm square softcover, colour printed children’s book with 32 pages and a stitch bound with a 250gms satin gloss cover.  The fundraising will run 1-30 September 2018 with printing in October.  We have a list of organisations we are going to donate books to to give to families and will update this page with final allocations.  Delivery will be in November and December 2018 (Australia only, please enquire for international postage).



Thank you for being part of The Hair Holiday idea, with love xx