There is nothing more magical for a little kid than to dress up as their favorite Disney princess or superhero. But for some special little ones, an illness prevents them from really getting into character. This is where the Magic Yarn Project comes into play.
The non-profit organization is based out of Palmer, Alaska and was started by two pediatric nurses. What began as a handful of Rapunzel wigs delivered to a local children's hospital has blossomed into 18,000 wigs that have been distributed across North America and Europe in the past three years.
Jessica Ash is the Pennsylvania Chapter Leader and found out about the project through social media last October. She contacted the organization to see how she could get involved and had to submit some of her crochet work, and write an essay detailing her skills, experience with kids and why she would be a good leader.
"After our interview, I guess they saw my passion for it," explains Ash, who says there was a lot of competition for the chapter leader position, and was delighted to be chosen.
The project is special to Ash not only because it allows her to utilize her talents, but because of what she has seen first hand. After her cousin was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia she spent a lot of time at Children's Hospital and saw these little kids going through tough treatments and needing some extra love.
"Unfortunately, there is a need. We wish there wasn't. But when they get these wigs they put them on and they just get this smile and they twirl and they are on top of the world and that is why we do it."
There are a variety of Disney character wigs that are made along with superhero beanies. Ash handles the complicated parts, making the actual headpieces and accessories out of yarn, perfect for sensitive scalps. Workshops are held twice a month at Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church to help assemble the wigs and for this part, you don't need to be skilled in the art of crocheting.
Family friend Kathy Schaming wanted to help Ash from the moment she found out about the project.
"When she showed it to me I started crying and I said, 'Ok, put me in there.'"
Schaming did not know how to crochet but has been able to learn how to attach the yarn, for the hair, and the bedazzled accessories thanks to Ash's patient teaching style. A group of 10 to 12 volunteers come together at each workshop to complete the wigs of the designated character of the day. At the June 8th workshop, Elsa, from the movie Frozen, was the princess of the day.
The wigs are made under the watchful eye of the Disney corporation, Ash explains. "Everything is made in their image as far as what Disney has trademarked. We get as close to the princess as possible."
Currently, the group is preparing a shipment of wigs to be distributed at PNC Park for the Pirates' Pediatric Cancer Night scheduled in September. They will be given to children who have been diagnosed with cancer, alopecia or have some type of head deformity.
More workshops are scheduled through the summer months and help is needed. The jobs go beyond making the wig. Volunteers can help assemble the accessories, package the wigs and even write personalized cards, letting the kids know who made the wig as well as offering words of encouragement.
The project is 100% volunteer and donation driven. Anyone who donates money or material, it all goes toward making wigs that are distributed locally and once that need is met, other organizations across the country are contacted. Ash says if anyone knows of a local organization that offers support to patients and would be interested in tapping in to the project they can reach out to her through email: JessicaA@themagicyarnproject.com or check out their website: themagicyarnproject.com
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