Adelaide Lacrosse Community Raises $63K for Girl with Cancer
When five-year-old Margot Whinnen was diagnosed with leukemia, her local lacrosse community in Adelaide responded with an outpouring of support that raised over $63,000 in days. The global lacrosse family rallied behind the Whinnen family with a fundraising event that brought hundreds together.
When Margot Whinnen complained of stomach pain last Friday, her parents Jesse and Nicole knew something was wrong. Within 24 hours, the five-year-old was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and began chemotherapy at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital.
The news hit hard. Margot faces four rounds of chemotherapy and months in the hospital ahead.
But the Whinnen family didn't face this challenge alone. Within days, their local Sturt Lacrosse Club community transformed concern into action.
On Saturday, hundreds gathered at a fundraising event called "Stick It 2 Leukaemia" in Brighton. Parents, players, and supporters came together to show Margot and her family they weren't fighting this battle alone.
A GoFundMe page established for the family has already raised more than $63,000. The response left Jesse Whinnen struggling for words.
"It's pretty overwhelming, very emotional but amazing that the whole community has gotten behind Margot and behind our family," he said. "We really appreciate it from everyone."
The Ripple Effect
The support didn't stop at Adelaide's borders. World Lacrosse and the international lacrosse community joined the effort, proving that tight-knit sports communities can span continents.
Traci Mathwin, a director of Lacrosse South Australia, arrived at the event expecting a good turnout. What she found exceeded her hopes.
"I drove up here this morning and you expect people to be a part of it, but I didn't expect people to be this involved," Mathwin said. Young players who may not fully understand leukemia showed up anyway, ready to support their teammate and her family.
The event brought together not just Margot and her two brothers, Logan and Miles, but an entire community refusing to let one family face crisis alone. Kids played alongside adults, united by a simple mission: help Margot heal.
Jesse remains focused on his daughter's recovery while drawing strength from the support surrounding them. "We've just got to deal with it and hopefully she pulls through with flying colours," he said.
The global lacrosse family proved that community means showing up when it matters most.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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