On Saturday, March 21, the BYU College of Nursing partnered with The Magic Yarn Project to make fairytale wigs for children with cancer.
Colorful yarn, crochet hooks and hundreds of helping hands came together at Brigham Young University, but the result was more than a craft — it was a way to help children with cancer feel seen, supported and special.
The Magic Yarn Project began in Provo, born from a friendship formed more than two decades ago.
"It just started off as a kind gift from a friend," said Rachel Mecham, mother to Lily, the first recipient of a Magic Yarn Wig.
Rachel Mecham and Holly Christensen became friends while in nursing school at BYU. After graduating, they stayed in touch.
When Rachel’s daughter Lily was diagnosed with cancer at two years old, Holly decided to help.
"She wanted to do something, and she thought, 'Oh, I'll make her a cute yarn wig,'" Mecham said.
A few months later, Holly began making more wigs, and the project quickly took off.
Ashley Henrickson, Utah chapter leader for The Magic Yarn Project, explained what this work means to her.
"This project, the meaning is joy, magic, to families and children suffering from cancer," Hendrickson said.
The Magic Yarn Project has now become a global effort.
"We are global, and we do deliver everywhere," Henrickson said.
At the event on Saturday, volunteers made hundreds of wigs for children facing cancer.
Lani VinZant, Utah event coordinator for The Magic Yarn Project, said the goal for the day was to make 150 wigs, but she estimates they made closer to 200.
That total contributes to the more than 50,000 wigs The Magic Yarn Project has donated.
Kimberli Gibson, communication manager for the BYU College of Nursing, described the process.
"Once we finish them, we deliver them to The Magic Yarn Project and they give them to the organizations and to the people that need them," Gibson said.
What began as a simple gesture of love has become a global source of joy for children in need.
"Something huge like this came from just a tiny spark," Mecham said.
For volunteers and recipients, each wig is a reminder that nobody fights cancer alone. Donations can be made online.