10-year-old raises money for breast cancer awareness after mum’s diagnosis
Jasmine Cameron is currently being treated for breast cancer at the Allan Blair Cancer Center in Regina and after telling her daughter about the chronic cold feet she and other patients suffer from, 10-year-old Maguire decided to try and help.
Jasmine Cameron is currently being treated for breast cancer at the Allan Blair Cancer Center in Regina and after telling her daughter about the chronic cold feet she and other patients suffer from, 10-year-old Maguire decided to try and help.
She made sparkly bags of Christmas ornaments and began selling them for $5 a piece wherever she could. The money raised will be used to buy warm socks for the cancer treatment center and breast cancer research.
“One day I was making my crafts because I love crafts, and my mom told me about this burger thing that Taco Time made for her,” Maguire Jackman said. “So I had this idea to make little bags with ornaments. … My mother has told me that her feet always get very cold when she receives her treatment and I wanted to try and get them socks for their feet to keep them as warm as possible.”
Maguire isn’t sure how many jewelry pouches she’s sold, but she’s gone out several times. With the help of her grandparents, she puts a lot of work into restoring her supplies.
Cameron said her daughter’s project had raised $1,295 as of Dec. 19.
“We haven’t really decided how many socks, probably 100 to 200 (pairs),” Cameron said.
“Some of the money goes to socks, and some of the money goes to the charity,” Maguire explained.
“It’ll probably be a 30-70 split – 30 percent socks,” Cameron added. “Once she sells her little bags, well over $1,000 will likely go to the research charity.”
The note Maguire carries to explain her project says she wants to be a part of her mother’s journey. It can be difficult to talk to strangers, she admitted, but everyone she spoke to was kind and generous.
“I usually tell them my story, about my mother and what I’m going to grow up to do,” she said. “That’s pretty much all I’ll say. Sometimes I’m a bit shy.”
Cameron said treatments are difficult, but she feels fortunate to have avoided serious side effects up to this point. She credits Maguire and her twin brother, Krosby, with keeping her on track.
Cameron noted that one of the things that surprised her was how many people are seeking treatment.
“It’s pretty amazing how many people actually go through it once they’re introduced to the world of cancer, no matter the type,” she said. “It opens your eyes. The Allan Blair Center is a beautiful beautiful place they are angels on earth but this door is spinning. It’s crazy to see.
“You never think you will be, but when you are, it’s nice to have kids who are by your side, doing things to help others and learn from them. … Life goes on and it’s fine, you do what you have to do right mags?”
Maguire agreed, adding: “Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far!”
