Carleigh Rodriguez
Oxford Middle School
Oxford

Imagine being a little kid waking up with no self-esteem or confidence afraid of what people will say or think about you, simply because of your appearance, and because of something you can’t control. People always laughing and pointing and staring at you because you look different. Well, Maggie Varney was able to look past the difference and helped me get through my lack of confidence and self-esteem.

Through my battle of cancer I lost all of my hair due to the chemotherapy and radiation. I always felt different and awkward. All of my friends had hair and were having "normal"” lives except for me. I was always home and not allowed to play because I was too sick. I couldn’t even go to school. My life was nowhere near "normal," it was completely turned upside down.

Then my mom heard of a wonderful non-profit organization, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, that would help me get back a little “normal” in my life. They provided wigs for children who have diseases that make their hair fall out. We met with the founder, Mrs. Maggie, and she provided me with a wig. It looked like I had real hair again. It didn’t fall off my head and I could curl it, straighten it, and even braid it. I truly had “hair” again. I finally gained back my confidence and self-esteem thanks to Mrs. Maggie. I wore my wig everywhere and every day.

Mrs. Maggie is the founder of the organization and the owner of the Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan Salon. Every year, she helps thousands of kids, providing them with wigs making them feel "normal" again. She makes every kid feel special and happy. However, that’s not all she does. She holds small events for the kids year round such as meeting Santa, boat rides, concerts, painting parties, and an annual fundraising gala. She has put her heart into her work and has dedicated her life to helping kids with life-threatening diseases. She is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. Maggie Varney is my Michigan hero and will always be my inspiration.