Julia Marcoux, the dedicated organizer behind Project Eli, has established an annual online fundraising project to provide hair prostheses for cancer patients in need. Inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer and the emotional impact of hair loss, Marcoux aims to bring a sense of normalcy, confidence, and comfort to those undergoing chemotherapy.
Hair prostheses can be a significant financial burden, with costs ranging from $700 to several thousand dollars. Recognizing the impact these prostheses can have on the lives of cancer patients, Marcoux founded Project Eli as part of a school project. After the success of the first edition, she made it an annual endeavour.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
I set up Project Eli named in honor of my mom who died of cancer. This online fundraising project aims to provide hair prostheses to cancer patients in need.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Hair prostheses can cost anywhere from $700 to several thousand dollars. When I saw my mother lose her hair due to chemotherapy, I realized just how much hair prostheses can change the lives of those who are ill. It offers them a sense of normalcy, such as being able to go out in public without being noticed for their illness, and above all, it restores confidence in those wearing it. Losing hair is emotionally difficult, as is coping with the stress of the disease.
Hair prostheses are therefore a great comfort during a difficult time.
When did you start/join it?
I organized the first edition of Project Eli last year as part of a school project, but I’d like to make it an annual event. Of course, this cause has been close to my heart for much longer, as my mother suffered from cancer for many years.
What made you want to get involved?
After seeing my mother lose her hair and the importance of hair prostheses in her new reality, I quickly realized that in the chaos of illness, time off work, the cost of medication, etc., the cost of a hair prosthesis often proves to be a heavy financial burden, and not everyone can afford one.
What was the situation like when you started?
For many cancer sufferers, hair prostheses are very difficult to access, if not simply inaccessible.
How has it changed since?
Thanks to last year’s edition of Project Eli, four patients in need were given access to a hair prosthesis and the necessary care products at no cost. By helping one person at a time, Project Eli changes lives.
What more needs to be done?
There will always be people in this situation who need help, which is why I’m continuing my commitment to this cause.
How can our readers help?
By simply sharing or donating to the project, readers can support this cause that is so close to my heart.
Do you have any events coming up?
This year’s fundraiser is already up and running, and will run until February 15.
Where can we follow you?
Simply search for Project Eli in the search bar on this website, and all donations are deposited directly with the foundation, with no intermediaries.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Quebec Cancer Society is very dear to my heart, as it is this organization that redirects the donations from Project Eli’s fundraising campaign to the people in need who will benefit from them.
