AMAZING MACY’S HELP FOR CANCER
GOLD Coast teen Macy Frugtniet knew she had to do “something big” to mark the end of six gruelling years watching her father fight cancer.
The 14-year-old, who lost her grandmother to leukaemia in 2010, raised almost $13,000 for cancer research to celebrate the end of her dad’s treatment.
But she didn’t stop there. In front of family, friends and supporters, the Parkwood teen shaved her entire head, saying goodbye to her long locks. She said the decision — done as part of a silent auction and raffle with friends, family and the wider community — was like starting a new chapter.
“I feel like it’s changed me a lot as a person,” she said.
“It’s changed the way I look at people and life, made me think about things.
“Both my parents told me how proud they were and how amazing and mature it was for me to do something like this, because it was my own decision.”
The night raised $12,800 for cancer support services, prevention programs and research projects, well above Macy’s initial goal of $5000.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan thanked the Frugtniet family for their support.
“Macy has displayed an incredible amount of confidence and passion through the act of shaving her head,” she said.
“She has gone the extra mile to raise funds for cancer support services and lifesaving cancer research.
“Young adults like Macy are inspiring their peers to create change in their community, and leading the way for the next generation to take a serious interest in how we can work towards a cancer-free future.”