Adelaide lacrosse community turns out to support girl, 5, with leukaemia

Five-year-old Margot Whinnen was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, following stomach pains she experienced last Friday. Margot's family, who are part of the Sturt Lacrosse Club, have been supported by the local and global lacrosse community. She is currently receiving chemotherapy at the Women's and Children's Hospital.

The news of Margot's condition came as a shock to her parents, Jesse and Nicole, who brought her to the hospital due to her severe symptoms. After a blood test revealed the diagnosis, Margot commenced chemotherapy immediately. Her parents anticipate that she will undergo four rounds of treatment and may need to stay in the hospital for several months. Despite the challenging situation, Mr. Whinnen expressed hope that Margot will "pull through with flying colours."

To aid the Whinnen family, the South Australian lacrosse community organized a fundraising event named "Stick It 2 Leukaemia" in Brighton on Saturday. Hundreds attended the event, and a GoFundMe page set up for the family has garnered over $63,000 in contributions. Jesse Whinnen expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the emotional yet amazing aspect of the entire community rallying behind Margot and his family.

Traci Mathwin, a director of Lacrosse South Australia, noted that support for the Whinnen family has come from around the world. She was surprised by the level of involvement, stating that she did not anticipate such widespread support. She highlighted the significance of the community coming together, especially considering the involvement of children who may not fully comprehend the situation.

According to Mathwin, the tight-knit community of lacrosse has been instrumental in providing support not only to the Whinnen family but also to their sons, Logan and Miles. The community, both local and global, remains committed to helping the family during this difficult time.