Let's Get Wiggy to Support Kiwi Kids with Cancer Aotearoa!

Throughout September, Kiwis from all corners of the country are donning wigs, shaving their heads, and styling funky hairdos to support our largest peer-to-peer fundraiser, Wig Wednesday. This nationwide event is helping to raise vital funds and awareness for the families currently supported by the Foundation, no matter where they are in their cancer journey.

Supporting Families Through the Toughest Times

Childhood cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects not just the child but their entire whānau. The emotional, financial, and logistical challenges can be overwhelming, especially as families adjust to a new reality filled with hospital visits, treatment plans, and ongoing uncertainty. Child Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Monica Briggs explains,

“When a child gets diagnosed, the world for the child and their family gets turned upside down. Parents are thrown into a whirlwind of appointments and new faces as different support systems come into their lives”.

With just two paediatric oncology centres in Aotearoa, located at Christchurch Hospital and Starship in Auckland, many families face the added burden of travel for treatment, often requiring months away from home. This reality adds financial and emotional pressure to an already difficult situation, with many parents needing to leave their jobs to care for their child. Despite these challenges, families find reassurance in knowing that their children receive world-class care, with Aotearoa’s five-year survival rate for childhood cancer at 85%—on par with outcomes in Australia, the UK, and the USA.

Monuments Go Gold Up and Down the Motu

September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the international colour for Childhood Cancer is Gold and monuments up and down the motu will Go Gold in recognition of this.

“This is a first time initiative the Foundation are hoping to build on for future years, gold is the colour for strength, resilience and courage – qualities we see in all of the families we support”. Says Ms Briggs.

Auckland’s Sky Tower, Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge, the #LOVETAUPŌ sign as well as Christchurch’s New Brighton Pier, The Christchurch Botanical Gardens Lawn and the Fan fair on Christchurch’s state highway one are just some of the iconic monuments this month that will Go Gold.

Wig Wednesday: Raising Funds and Awareness

Wig Wednesday, is held in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and falls on Wednesday, 11 September this year.

Local communities are rallying to support Wig Wednesday in extraordinary ways. In Canterbury, 43 children and their families are currently supported by the Foundation through their treatment journeys. Schools such as Mt Somers Springburn School are actively participating, with pupils like eight-year-old Ryder Huggins raising funds alongside his mum, Amy, who is both a teacher and the Foundation’s Mid Canterbury Whānau Connect Lead.

“Many of our Wig Wednesday fundraisers know a child who has had cancer or have one themselves. They know that our family support teams make a real difference to families handling the pressure of treatments for their children that may go on for many months” says Ms. Briggs.

We’re also proud to highlight Indi Wealleans, a spirited seven-year-old who’s making a big impact this Wig Wednesday. Indi, along with her mum Aneke Tunnage, has been part of the Child Cancer Foundation whānau for nearly six years, with Gabi, their family support coordinator, providing invaluable support during some of their darkest moments.

“Child Cancer Foundation has been a major part of our lives, helping Indi and our family through what is an unimaginably soul-crushing time. Gabi was a bright light in the dark, and we are so grateful for everything she did for us,” says Aneke.

Indi’s school, St Francis of Assisi Catholic School, is rallying behind her fundraising efforts with a wig/wacky hair-do mufti day and a sausage sizzle. They’ll also be handing out spot prizes and holding a fun competition among teachers to see who can don the best and craziest wig!

“Kiwis need to sign up or donate so that the approximately 150 families each year who hear the devastating words ‘your child has cancer’ can access the love and support that the Child Cancer Foundation provides,” Aneke adds.

In Otago and Southland, where 25 children and their families are receiving support, the impact of travel for treatment is particularly challenging. Despite this, the sense of community is strong. Families like Tyler’s, who tragically lost his three-year-old daughter Tessa earlier this year, are determined to give back. Tyler’s family has been moved by the support they received from the Foundation and are fundraising to help other families going through similar hardships.

“We have been blown away by the love and support from everyone at the Child Cancer Foundation, We want to help other families get the same support during their tough times” Tyler says.

A Special Highlight: Tiffany and Tommy’s Story

A special highlight of this year’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is the story of Tiffany and her son Tommy. Tommy, a three and a half year old child cancer patient, successfully lobbied Sky Tower to light up gold for Child Cancer Awareness by getting hundreds of people to email Sky City. Tommy will have the honour of being the first to turn on the Tower lights. Additionally, a remote button will be taken to Starship Hospital the following night, allowing children undergoing treatment to have the fun of switching the Tower lights on and off.

We will all be gathering at the base of the Sky Tower on Wednesday night to witness this heartwarming event. The festivities will include live music between 5:30-7:30 PM, making it a memorable evening for everyone involved. We invite everyone to join us at the base of the Sky Tower to show their support and be part of this special occasion.

For all media related enquires for Wig Wednesday please contact Clara Sweetman, csweetman@childcancer.org.nz.