Local 10-year-old Girl Shaves Head in Honor of Cousin

Mackenzie Woelbling, of O’Fallon, is just like any other 11-year-old. She loves hanging out with her family, playing board games, skiing and boating.

But unlike most kids her age, Mackenzie is a three- time cancer survivor. According to her page on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation website, she has successfully beaten the disease since 2003.

She recently found out her cancer returned, and although she’s going through treatments once again, she’s remained upbeat.

And her cousin Maiya Woebling, 10, of St. Peters, is right by her side to help her though.

To support her cousin, Maiya will shave her head  at the St. Baldrick’s fundraising event at Helen Fitzgerald’s Pub and Grill on Saturday.

St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-based fundraising program that raises money for childhood cancer research.

According to the St. Baldrick’s website, the event at Helen Fitzgerald’s set a goal of raising $200,000 and have already raised $242,733.

Maiya’s mom, Jessica, said her daughter came up with the idea to honor her cousin about a year ago.

“Last year, we went to the St Patrick's Day parade and met up with Mackenzie and her family for a day of fun,” she said. “One of Mackenzie's friends was with her, and her friend was bald. So when Maiya asked why, we found out about St. Baldrick's and how Mackenzie's Lucky Charms was then in its fourth year of existence and continuing to raise money for a cure for childhood cancers.”

A couple of weeks later, Maiya asked her parents if she could particpate in St. Baldrick’s to honor Mackenzie. 

“We said absolutely! And here we are today," Jessica said. "This is the fifth year that Mackenzie's Lucky Charms has participated, and Maiya is the team captain."

Other people in the community have stepped up to support Maiya and Mackenzie.

After reading about the cousins on Facebook, the owners of BB Bows, an online hair  accessory store, have offered to supply Maiya with free hats and headbands.

“I read Maiya’s and Mackenzie’s story and just felt I needed and wanted to help,” said Brandi Schmidt, of St. Charles.

Schmidt owns BB Bows with business partner Brett Steckler, of Eureka.

They create flowers and bows with interchangeable centers, which are fabric covered buttons held on with magnetic system.

“When we heard what Maiya was doing, and how brave she is, we couldn’t not help. I don’t think I could ever be that brave to shave my head at (10) years old,” Brandi said. “She is an inspiration to us all. BB bows made a monetary donation and will be supplying Maiya with beautiful hats, headbands, flowers, bows, and BB’s that match her beautiful soul.”

Jessica said her daughter is looking forward to Saturday’s event.

“I think she is finally starting to get a little nervous, but she is still very excited,” she said.  “And Maiya will tell you point blank the thing she is looking forward to most is to not having me constantly nagging her to comb her hair.”

To learn more about St. Baldrick's and the event on Saturday, visit the website.