Frankie's Story

For eight-year-old Frankie, it slowly began to take away the confidence and joy that made her who she was.

When she made the decision to leave a team sport to try something new, her friendships started to unravel. She was deliberately excluded and was left questioning whether anyone would ever like her again. It got to the point where she lost confidence and felt completely isolated.

After the ongoing bulling, and with no end in sight, Frankie came home from school and told her parents she didn't want to be on this Earth anymore.

For her, that was the moment they knew immediate action was needed.

"We never sent her back to that school," her mum, Bianca, told us. "We made the decision straight away and didn't look back."

The family chose to homeschool Frankie for a year, focusing on rebuilding her sense of self, confidence, and her joy. And slowly, she flourished.

When she eventually decided she wanted to return to school, she chose a new school herself after visiting several options. Her family supported her decision completely.

"She has faced challenges since, but she navigates them so differently now", Bianca says.

The most remarkable part of Frankie's story is what she chose to do with her experience. 

One day, she casually mentioned to her mum that she'd been using her Canva account. What her mum discovered next came as a complete surprise.

Frankie had created two affirmation ebooks filled with positive messages and encouragement. She wanted to sell them to raise money for kids who had been bullied, just like her, but she wasn't sure how to get the money to them.

After sitting down with her mum and researching a few different organisations that support young people affected by bullying, Frankie chose Dolly's Dream.

Dolly's Dream stands for everything she experienced and everything she now wants other kids to know," her mum says. "That they are not alone, that it's always safe to speak up, and that there is always someone who will listen." 

Frankie’s fundraising goal was set at $1,000, but within a short period of time, she had raised close to $1,600 through the sale of her affirmation books and donations. Now, she's aiming even higher, with a new fundraising target of $2,000. 

Her story is a beautiful reminder that even after you experience hurt, you can create extraordinary change!

If you'd like to support Frankie you can donate through her dedicated fundraising page.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, Dolly's Dream is here to help.

Our Bullying Support Line, 13 DOLLY (13 36 55), provides free confidential support, information and guidance for young people, parents, carers and communities impacted by bullying.

• If you've been inspired by Frankie's story and want to create change, register to fundraise today!
• If you need any help or guidance, we're here to help. Just contact our friendly fundraising team either via email or phone.