UPDATE: Year 9 student Maya Innes has launched a heartfelt fundraiser in honor of her terminally ill grandmother, raising over $1,700 for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation of Australia. This urgent initiative comes just weeks after Maya learned that her beloved Oma has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive form of bile duct cancer, which has left her with limited time.
After discovering that her grandmother’s chemotherapy treatment is no longer effective, Maya was determined to make a difference for others facing similar battles. In a remarkable display of resilience, she organized a fundraiser at Queechy High School to coincide with World Cholangiocarcinoma Day on February 14, 2025. With only a week to prepare, Maya rallied her classmates, securing over 200 cupcakes and lolly bags to sell.
Maya expressed her motivation, saying, “I thought she would survive and thought of all this happy stuff. But now, I want to help others.” The overwhelming support from her peers and the Student Leadership Board (SLB) was critical in promoting the event throughout the school.
The fundraiser has not only provided financial support but also emotional uplift for Maya’s Oma. “She is really happy. She’s proud of me and said I couldn’t do anything better,” Maya shared.
SLB president Orla Dineen highlighted the importance of empowering students like Maya to create change within their community. “Queechy is a place where you can hold events like this and make a difference. It’s incredible that Maya stepped up to organize it,” Orla noted.
The entire SLB team played a vital role in the success of the event, with Orla stating, “It was such an honor to help her out. It was a great cause and amazing to support something a student truly cares about.”
Maya’s initiative is a powerful reminder of how compassion can drive action, especially in the face of personal tragedy. As the fundraiser continues to resonate within the community, it serves as an urgent call to action for those looking to make a difference for others battling cholangiocarcinoma.
As Maya’s story spreads, it’s clear that her grandmother’s legacy will live on through the lives she touches. The community’s support illustrates the profound impact of love and determination, encouraging others to join this vital cause.
