The Story of The Magic Yarn Project

Our mission is to create magic in the lives of children battling cancer, and to inspire volunteerism to help make a difference. Read more to find out where we began and where we're going.
Founders Holly Christensen (left) & Bree Hitchcock (right)

Founder Holly Christensen

Founders Holly Christensen (left) & Bree Hitchcock (right)

Magic Yarn’s first wig recipient, Lily

Founders Holly Christensen (left) & Bree Hitchcock (right)

Lily, her mom, and Holly in 2022

My name is Holly Christensen. I have often witnessed the scary and painful world of cancer as an oncology nurse, friend, and family member. I’ve always held my cancer patients very close to my heart.

In 2014, upon learning that a friend’s daughter had been diagnosed with cancer and would likely be in the hospital for a while, I began to think of what I could do to help bring some magic and light to this little girl’s life during the trying days that I knew were ahead for her.

Knowing how difficult it would be for her to lose her beautiful blonde curls, I made her a Rapunzel yarn wig and sent it in the mail.

She was overcome with joy.

My friend remarked at how many other little girls in that hospital would love to have such a special gift, as it had had such an impact on her daughter’s demeanor and happiness during her treatments.

I began to organize what I thought would be a small project creating a few dozen wigs to send to little cancer patients, and I put up a request on Facebook for yarn donations. Within hours, I was flooded with responses from around the world—mothers who wanted these wigs for their little girls who have cancer, complete strangers who wanted to help by donating money to buy yarn, professionals reaching out and requesting wigs for their hospitals, and more.

What started as a small project has snowballed into something much bigger than I ever expected! Thanks to the popularity of these wigs, The Magic Yarn Project was born, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are the original and the largest organization making yarn wigs for children with medical hair loss.

Our entire Magic Yarn team has been overwhelmed with the donations and desire to help that has come from all over the world. Since our humble beginnings in 2015, the spirit of service has touched the hearts of tens of thousands. We estimate that Magic Yarn has spurred over 300,000 hours of volunteering over the last decade. We have received thousands of photos and stories from grateful parents, telling us how much it meant to their child to feel comfortable and playful again. Children rest in bed with their wigs when they are too sick to play; they wear them for courage during painful procedures; they show them off when they triumphantly ring the bell signaling their graduation from chemotherapy. Some grieving parents have even told us that the child they lost was buried wearing their Magic Yarn wig. Our hearts are shattered and healed over and over again when we hear how much it means to suffering families to know that strangers cared enough about their child to send them a handmade gift. The knowledge that they are not alone in the worst ordeal of their lives is a priceless gift.

Our ever-growing organization is funded solely by donations, and we are still 100% volunteer powered. The Magic Yarn Project was created to answer the call to bring light to little cancer fighters, and to help community members discover ways to be those light-givers. We’d like to invite you to watch our 4-minute video, and see for yourself that Magic is something that you can make: http://youtu.be/E9wtHskTI2g.

Yours in service,

          Holly Christensen

          Founder & CEO

Wigs & Smiles Delivered Since 2015

Magic is International

We ship wigs all over the world! Individual recipients and children’s hospitals in 53 countries, like Marlene in Germany, all have extra reasons to smile thanks to Magic Yarn’s generous supporters.

Magic is Local

In communities all over North America, local Magic Yarn leaders organize public workshops where first-time volunteers are invited to come and make a wig with us. Many volunteers tell us that a Magic Yarn workshop is the first service they’ve participated in for a long while, but that they leave inspired to get more involved with good causes.

Magic is Personal

Children who receive a Magic Yarn wig or beanie can choose from over 50 different characters. Katie’s mom told us that she was over the moon to find out she could become her beloved Minnie Mouse! We want every kid to see themselves in the stories that mean the most to them, which is why we are constantly expanding our library of available designs. Our latest additions for 2024 include Bluey and Bingo, Daniel Tiger, and more characters than ever from Sesame Street and Star Wars.

Magic is Durable

Kids aren’t known for being gentle with their favorite things, and children with complex medical care especially need a sturdy, washable option. Every one of our wigs and character beanies is made from 100% synthetic yarn, meaning it won’t change size or color in the wash and it won’t trigger allergies or skin sensitivities. We have tweaked our patterns based on feedback about our wigs’ construction and durability from thousands of parents, likely making our wigs the most extensively pattern-tested crochet designs in the world. Every Magic Yarn wig and beanie passes through meticulous testing before it is beautifully packaged, quarantined for two to four weeks, and then shipped to a deserving child.

Magic is Beautiful

We know how special kids’ favorite characters are to them, which is why we work so hard to make sure their wig or beanie looks just like the pictures in the stories and shows. Our team meticulously matches every skein of yarn we use to each character’s specific colors, and we use multiple layers of construction to make sure every hairdo and accessory holds its shape no matter how long playtime lasts.

Magic is Unique

Even though we distribute over 500 wigs a month, every individual child’s request is handled with care. Our Chief Operating Officers match wigs to children based not only on their favorite character, but also on their age and any other needs mentioned by their family. We have wig sizes ranging from infants to teens, with special tangle-free “Baby Magic” designs for the youngest cancer fighters.

Magic is Made by You

There are fewer than 25 Magic Yarn leaders overseeing production of over 6,000 wigs annually — which means our mission completely depends on volunteers like you. Our patterns are designed to be accessible to beginning crafters and experienced makers alike. Our beautiful, detailed video tutorials allow Magic Makers to create from the comfort of their own homes, with real-time feedback and advice available from our online community.