Ten-year-old Maya shows her colours after fighting cancer

Maya Oldroyd didn't have the most typical childhood. She tackled an aggressive cancer at age three and is now encouraging her classmates at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar to wear their footy colours for a heartwarming cause.

Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School students Shivani, Billie and Maya in Ivanhoe. Picture: Andy Brownbill

At just three years old, Maya Oldroyd was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer and endured aggressive treatment.

After intensive chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumour, stem cell transplant, radiation and immunotherapy she went into remission in 2014.

Now she’s encouraging her classmates at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar to don their footy teams colours and donate to Fight Cancer Foundation for Footy Colours Day.

“Footy colours Day is very important because it helps kids with cancer who go through a very bad time like me and you get to support your team,” Maya said.

“Im a Richmond fan because tigers are my favourite animal.”

The cash raised supports programs that help young cancer patients continue their education while in treatment and because of this, Maya was able to catch up with her peers.

Maya Oldroyd in 2013 when she was undergoing cancer treatment, with Registered Nurses, Emma Brimmell and Tegan Dunmall.

Maya’s mum Sheila Patel said her daughter faced her cancer head on.

“She had to grow up very quickly and develop a lot of resilience and confidence,” Ms Patel said.

Fight Cancer Foundation’s Managing Director Eric Wright said Footy Colours Day was a great way to help children living with cancer, while also having a bit of fun and supporting a team.

“They will help us ensure that kids fighting against cancer are not disadvantaged by their illness and allow our education support programs to reach more children living with cancer,” Mr Wright said.

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Maya’s grade four teacher Melissa Nomes said all the staff and students were excited to support Footy Colours Day.

“Maya is so resilient and not afraid to talk about how she had cancer, she’s a little pocket rocket and gives everything a go,” Ms Nomes said.

Register a school, organisation, group or club and join in the action at #FootyColoursDay all through September.

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