[UPDATE: Those wishing to help Maguire can donate to her cause at the Sahara Spa at 341 Stadacona St E. Staff at the Sahara Spa have confirmed they are accepting donations.]
Jasmine Cameron is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina, and after telling her daughter about the chronic cold feet she and other patients experience, 10-year-old Maguire decided to try and help.
She made sparkly bags with Christmas ornaments in them and began selling them wherever she could for $5 each. The money she’s raised will go towards buying warm socks for the cancer treatment centre and to breast cancer research.
“One day, I was doing my crafts, because I love crafts, and my mom was telling me about this burger thing that Taco Time made for her,” Maguire Jackman said. “So, I had this idea to make little bags with ornaments. … My mum told me that whenever she gets her treatment, her feet get really cold, and I wanted to try and get them socks for their feet to keep as warm as they can.”
Maguire isn’t sure exactly how many ornament bags she’s sold, but she has run out several times. With the help of her grandparents, she puts in a lot of work restoring her supply.
Cameron said her daughter’s project has raised $1,295 as of Dec. 19.
“We haven’t really decided how many socks yet, 100 to 200 (pairs), probably,” Cameron said.
“Some of the money is going to socks, and some of the money is going to the charity,” Maguire explained.
“It’ll probably a 30-70 split — 30 per cent socks,” Cameron added. “Once she’s done selling her little bags, probably well over $1,000 will be going to the charity donation for research.”
The note that Maguire carries to explain her project says that she wants to be a part of her mother’s journey. It can be difficult to talk to strangers, she admitted, but everyone she’s spoken with has been kind and generous.
“I usually tell them about my story, about my mom, and about where I’m going to raise it for,” she said. “That’s all what I pretty much say. Sometimes I’m a little shy.”
Cameron said treatments are difficult, but she feels lucky to have avoided severe side effects to this point. She credits Maguire and her twin brother Krosby with keeping her on track.
Cameron noted that one of the things she’s been surprised by is just how many people are undergoing treatment.
“It’s pretty amazing, once you are introduced into the world of cancer, whatever type it is, how many people are actually going through it,” she said. “It opens your eyes. That Allan Blair Centre is a beautiful, beautiful place, they’re angels on earth, but that door is revolving. It’s crazy to see.
“You never think it’s going to be you, but when it is, it’s nice to have kids that are on your side, and do things to help others and learn from it. … Life goes on and its good, you do what you have to do, right Mags?”
Maguire agreed, and added, “Thank you everyone who has supported me so far!”
