Eleanor's tribute to Julia

 On this Rare Disease Day which also happens to be Julia's birthday, 6-year old Eleanor is doing something very special.

In memory of her friend and favourite teacher, Julia, Eleanor is donating her hair to be made into wigs for children with cancer. 

When she first decided to raise money, she set the biggest goal she could imagine- $100_ because to her, that's the largest amount of money that exists. She wnated to "give money to cancer scientisits and the people who make cancer medicine."

Thanks to the kindess of many people, Eleanor hasn't just reached her goal.....she has raised over $1,400, fourteen times her orginal goal. 

Julia was one of the kindest, most empathetic people anyone could meet. She lived with a rare condition called NF1 (Neurofibromatosis Type 1), which causes tumours to grow on cells. 

Fortunately, almost all of her tumours were benign. When she noticed pain in her leg in 2021, she initially put it down to a sporting injury. Unfortunately, one of those tumours grew into a sarcoma. 

 Despite her own health challenges, she completed 30 rounds of radiation before work so she could continue showing up for her class everyday. When her cancer relapsed, she worked between round sof chemotherapy, heartbroken on the days her body wouldnt allow her to be there. 

During Covid shutdowns, Julia and Eleanor stayed close by FaceTiming to read stories together. They wore matching outfits, laughed, and shared a truly special bond. 

Julia passed away in October 2022, but her light continues to shine. Eleanor calls her her guardian angel and in many ways , that is exactly what she is. 

On this Rare Disease Day, Eleanor had her mum Imogen have visited Julia's grave to show her the new haircute, a symbol of rememberance and continuing her legacy. 

Julia's strength, compassion, and dedication are honoured. Her legacy lives on in the kindness and empathy she nurtured in her students-now carried forward by one very determined and big-hearted siz-year-old. 

If you would like to support Eleanor's mission, please visit their fundraising page.