Hallie's Story

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.

“Hallie had said she wanted a wig before she started school, but that was an extra worry as we didn’t have the money for something like that."

"We have a mortgage, day to day living expenses were going up and up, and we had two children in daycare - it was overwhelming.”

Finding Variety’s Hair with Heart and wig grant program changed everything.

“Being able to apply and being eligible for a wig for Hallie was such a relief. It was honestly just so amazing. It was one less thing to worry about when we were in such a scary place in our lives.”

Hallie’s first day at school wearing her new wig was unforgettable.

“She was so excited to show off her wig that first day. Her teacher asked the class, ‘Who is this?’ and they all yelled ‘Hallie’.

She took her wig off and her teacher asked again and they all yelled ‘Hallie’.”

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.

“We’re so grateful for Variety’s continuity of care over these past few years, it’s given us such incredible peace of mind. Not only do we appreciate the wigs of course but also the opportunity to help raise awareness of alopecia.”

“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.”

You can become a hair hero by joining Variety’s Hair with Heart challenge. Chop your locks or make a donation to help kids like Hallie.