Variety's Hair with Heart and wig grant program changed everything for Hallie and her family.
Hallie was just four years old when an alopecia diagnosis changed life as she knew it.
Hallie’s Mum, Cassandra, describes her daughter as pure joy.
“She is so funny and smart, and she cares so deeply for others,” Cassandra says.
Creative and fearless, Hallie loves making craft for family and friends and spends her days practising cartwheels and flips.
She’s also a devoted big sister, always looking out for her little brother, Harry. When Hallie was four, her world changed overnight.
“She woke up one morning with a bald patch on the top of her head, right at her forehead,” Cassandra recalls.
Over the next six months, Hallie’s hair fell out quickly.
By the time she was five and just about to start kindergarten, she was diagnosed with alopecia.
Cassandra says the experience was heartbreaking.
“Hallie would cry and ask why she was the only one in the family with it. She hated everyone staring.”
Determined to let Hallie lead her own journey, the family chose not to shave her remaining hair.
“She did not want to let go of the last bits of her hair, so we didn’t force anything as we always said this is her journey.”
Behind the scenes though, the fear was overwhelming.
“I was petrified. Brushing Hallie’s hair every day and having so much hair come out… it was so upsetting. I would have a little cry but try not to let her see me, I knew I had to be strong,” said Cassandra.
Alongside the emotional toll came financial pressure.
"We have a mortgage, day to day living expenses were going up and up, and we had two children in daycare - it was overwhelming.”
Hallie’s Mum, Cassandra, describes her daughter as pure joy.
“She is so funny and smart, and she cares so deeply for others,” Cassandra says.
Creative and fearless, Hallie loves making craft for family and friends and spends her days practising cartwheels and flips.
She’s also a devoted big sister, always looking out for her little brother, Harry. When Hallie was four, her world changed overnight.
“She woke up one morning with a bald patch on the top of her head, right at her forehead,” Cassandra recalls.
For Cassandra, that moment mattered deeply.
“It was so reassuring to see her being included and accepted for exactly who she is. It gave Hallie the confidence that she was lacking at the time because she was scared of looking different.”
Today, Hallie is eight and has just been granted her second, custom-made wig.
The wig is made from a special material that suctions to Hallie’s scalp, allowing her to swim, do cartwheels and jump on the trampoline with Harry, now five.
With each wig costing between $4000 and $6000, Cassandra says Variety’s ongoing support has meant the world to the family.
Over the next six months, Hallie’s hair fell out quickly.
By the time she was five and just about to start kindergarten, she was diagnosed with alopecia.
Cassandra says the experience was heartbreaking.
“Hallie would cry and ask why she was the only one in the family with it. She hated everyone staring.”
Determined to let Hallie lead her own journey, the family chose not to shave her remaining hair.
“She did not want to let go of the last bits of her hair, so we didn’t force anything as we always said this is her journey.”
Behind the scenes though, the fear was overwhelming.
“I was petrified. Brushing Hallie’s hair every day and having so much hair come out… it was so upsetting. I would have a little cry but try not to let her see me, I knew I had to be strong,” said Cassandra.
Alongside the emotional toll came financial pressure.
“The more people are aware of alopecia, the more it can empower Hallie and give her the best support network to grow, belong and thrive.”
“As we say to her – everyone is different and that should always be celebrated.”
Wigs
Losing your hair can have profound psychological effects, particularly through childhood and adolescence. One specialised wig can cost up to $6,000 and lasts only 18 months to two years, so the cost is prohibitive for many families. Because of the support from our amazing Hair with Heart community, Variety provides grants for kids across Australia who have lost their hair due to medical conditions such as alopecia, cancer and trichotillomania.
