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

Adelaide’s lacrosse community has mobilized around a five-year-old girl battling acute myeloid leukemia, following her diagnosis earlier this week. Margot Whinnen, whose father Jesse coaches at the Sturt Lacrosse Club, was taken to the hospital after experiencing severe stomach pain and difficulty moving. Tests confirmed the presence of acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. The family has since been receiving widespread support from both local and international lacrosse circles. The illness was discovered after Margot complained of persistent stomach pain, leading her parents, Jesse and Nicole Whinnen, to seek medical attention. A routine blood test revealed alarming results, prompting immediate transfer to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. There, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, a condition requiring intensive treatment. Margot has begun chemotherapy and is expected to undergo multiple cycles over several months. Her prognosis remains uncertain, though her family remains hopeful. In response to the diagnosis, the Sturt Lacrosse Club and other members of the South Australian lacrosse community organized a fundraiser titled “Stick It 2 Leukaemia” in Brighton. The event drew hundreds of attendees, including players, families, and supporters from across the region. The initiative has already generated over $63,000 through a dedicated GoFundMe campaign, which continues to grow as donations pour in from individuals and organizations alike. Jesse Whinnen expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting how emotionally impactful it has been for his family. “It’s pretty overwhelming,” he said. “Very emotional but amazing that the whole community has gotten behind Margot and behind our family.” He emphasized the importance of unity during such difficult times, highlighting how the lacrosse community has stepped forward to provide both financial assistance and emotional encouragement. Traci Mathwin, a director of Lacrosse South Australia, echoed these sentiments, describing the level of involvement as unexpected yet heartening. She noted that support for the Whinnen family has extended beyond the state, with contributions coming from lacrosse communities around the world. “I didn’t expect people to be this involved,” she said. “Even the kids, probably some of them don’t understand, but the fact that they get to support Margot and Jesse and Nicole and their boys, Logan and Miles, is fabulous.” Mathwin added that the global reach of the lacrosse community played a crucial role in amplifying the fundraiser. “Our community is a really tight community, so when things like this happen, even worldwide, World Lacrosse is on board.” This international solidarity reflects the deep connections within the sport, which often transcend geographical boundaries. The Whinnen family has remained active in engaging with the lacrosse community, despite the challenges posed by Margot’s treatment. Jesse Whinnen, who continues to coach at the Sturt Lacrosse Club, has maintained communication with club members and participants in the fundraiser. His wife, Nicole, has also been involved in coordinating efforts to ensure the family receives the necessary care and support throughout Margot’s treatment journey. As the fundraiser gains momentum, organizers are planning additional events to sustain public interest and continue raising funds. These include online campaigns, local charity drives, and potential collaborations with national and international lacrosse associations. The goal is to ensure that Margot’s treatment remains fully supported while also raising awareness about childhood cancers and the importance of community-driven initiatives. With Margot continuing her chemotherapy at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the focus remains on providing her with the best possible care. The lacrosse community’s commitment to supporting the Whinnen family underscores the power of collective action in times of crisis. As the fundraising effort expands, it serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the people involved, all working toward a common cause.