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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 10, 2014 | 4 Ten-year-old's classmates rally behind her in cancer challenge by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff A group of young Oakville students recently rallied together in support of classmate Madison (Maddie) Costantini's battle with cancer. Twenty Grade 5 students at École élémentaire Catholique Sainte-Marie in Oakville shaved their heads and had their hair cut, raising $5,800 for 10-year-old Maddie, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour on her brainstem on Sept. 5, 2013 -- just two days after she began Grade 5 and 12 days after completing a SunRype TRi Kids Triathlon. "We were in complete disbelief and shock," said Maddie's mom, Saundra Costantini. Saundra said she and her husband Doug were stunned. Maddie has an sister, Kayla, 8. "We kept asking ourselves how could this be happening to Madison and how could we possibly deal with the thought of losing our little girl." Maddie's classmates were just as shocked, especially Charles Bibeau, who spearheaded the fundraising initiative with his class. "When we were told that Charles, who has been with Maddie since JK, had spearheaded this selfless fundraiser, it brought tears to our eyes," said Saundra. Hair collected from the Shaved Head Challenge was donated to make wigs for children with cancer, while the funds raised will be used to support Maddie and her family. Maddie Costantini treatment from Sept. 11-Oct. 23, 2013 at Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital. "She is in good spirits now, is back to school and enjoys playing with her friends and sisters, like a 10-year-old should," said Saundra. "This journey has been extremely surreal and emotional. The community of École Sainte-Marie has been incredibly supportive throughout this devastating time in our lives. They have undertaken numerous initiatives of raising money for our family and making delicious home cooked dinners. "We cannot believe the support that continues to come from this loving community." Anyone interested in donating to the cause can visit http://maddiecakes.ca. Hairstylist Nadia Ferland shaves the head of Grade 5 student Charles Bibeau at École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marie in Oakville. Charles spearheaded the initiative that saw 20 students shave their head or have their hair cut for classmate Maddie Costantini, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. | submitted photos "The challenge was a tangible way for students to try to make sense of the tragedy of seeing another 10-year-old dealing with a disease that we don't expect to see in someone so young," said Annie Poirier, a parent on the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est de l'Ontario school board. Maddie underwent 30 sessions of radiation Selling England By The Pound Genesis: Shop from 40 local vendors! JANUARY 11TH - APRIL 5TH SATURDAY 10 AM - 3 PM Join TERRA @ Home and local farmers at the TERRA @ Home Farmers'Market! Shop from 40 local vendors for farm fresh items, delicious baked goods and unique artisan goods. JANUARY JANUARY 25, 25, 2014 2014 8 8 PM PM HAMMERSON HALL I Tickets: $50 ­ $85 MILTON LOCATION ONLY 12800 Britannia Rd. · (905) 876-4000 · www.terragreenhouses.com