Rolling For Amalia

November 03rd, 2016

Five Roller Derby Leagues from across the Hills and Adelaide will rally together to support 2-year-old Amalia Maher, who has been diagnosed with the rare disease Lagnerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

The local Rockabellas club will host a community competition on Sunday, November 13 to raise funds to support Amalia’s continued treatment.

Amalia was first diagnosed with Lagnerhans Cell Histocytosis 12 months ago in October 2015.

Amalia’s mother Naomi Woidt, a Nairne local, said that coming to terms with her daughter’s disease had been an “emotional rollercoaster.”

“It’s been a crazy 12 months, and because the condition is so rare there’s a lot lacking in terms of trials, so it’s been hard to get across how she’s doing,” Naomi said.

“Six weeks ago doctors were talking about putting her on palliative care, but then we had a checkup recently and they said she was doing a lot better.

“Obviously it’s really difficult to know what to expect–I’m positive today, but I’m not holding my breath.”

Because Amalia’s disease is so rare, Naomi has struggled to access support which would be available to those suffering from similar conditions like leukemia.

As a result, she took to GoFundMe to raise money for Amalia’s continued treatment, which will include further chemotherapy and potentially stem cell transplants.

The page was noticed by member of the local Rockabellas club Lauren, who brought it to the attention of the community and initially attempted to raise funds by shaving her head as a show of support.

However, the roller derby league rallied together to put on a far larger event.

Naomi said that seeing the outpouring of local support had been touching.

“It’s crazy, I’ve had support from everyone and it’s really overwhelming to have all these people I don’t even know wanting to help out,” she said.

“I’d never actually met any of the organisers before, so I’m very heart warmed by it.”

President of the Rockabellas club Emily Schloithe said the event came from a shared desire to help a local in need.

“Lauren, one of my derby girls first brought me into the process, and we all thought that we had to do something to help,” she said.

“Gone is that sterotype of roller derby as being aggressive, we just want to be able to help people in need.

“Nobody has hesitated, the school we’re hosting the event at has allowed us to use the space, they’ve all seen how this can be used for the greater good.”

The fundraising event will feature a variety of attractions, including market stalls set up by members of the community, a petting zoo and face painting.

The headline event will be two roller derby matches, with skaters from five separate leagues across the Hills and Adelaide who have all signed up to help support Amalia.

Skaters from Adelaide Roller Derby, Murder City Roller Girls, Light City Derby and Hills club the Rockabellas will take part.

Emily said it has been encouraging to see so many clubs signing up for the event.

“It’s the first time we’ve had so many leagues all skating together at once.

“With this, we can all get behind it and use roller derby for the greater good,” she said.

Between the two roller derby bouts, Lauren will have her head shaved by the same hairdresser who shaved Amalia’s hair when she first began chemotherapy.

Lauren will also add her contribution to the Amalia fund through donations she has received from family and friends.

The roller derby league hopes to raise up to $5,000 from the day.

The fundraising event will be held from 12.30-5.30pm on Sunday, November 13 at Cornerstone College in Mount Barker.

There will be a $10 entry fee, with children under five entering for free.

All money raised will be donated to help support Amalia’s continued treatment and will be greatly appreciated by Naomi.

“Amalia’s doctor has said she won’t be happy until Amalia turns 21, and there’s a 50 per cent chance of remission until then,” she said.

“It’s still a long road ahead of us, a long 19 years to go.”

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