Mitchell Higgins doesn’t like to say it out loud, but he’s worried about his cousin.

In October, Allissa Freiberger, 8, had a cancerous brain tumor removed. Allissa, who lives with her mother and brother in Westwood, will now go through a year of chemotherapy and radiation.

Since her diagnosis, Mitchell, a sixth grader at Old Hammondtown School, has expressed his sadness to his parents, Maria and Michael Higgins, and his teacher, Laura Mirabito.

“He feels so helpless,” said Mirabito.

To help out, Mirabito and Mitchell came up with the idea to hold a fundraiser at the school for Allisa. On Friday, kids could wear hats or slippers for a two-dollar donation each, or wear both for three dollars.

Mirabito said Mitchell’s classmates were enthusiastic helpers. They made posters to go up on the school’s walls and made cards to send to Allisa.

The Higgins family said they really appreciated the support.

“It’s going to be a rough year,” said Maria. “We try not to be down in front of her at all. Sometimes we’re down at home.”

Maria said her sister Nanette, Allisa’s mother, doesn’t like needing help.

“She just really needs some help right now,” said Maria. “She’s very grateful.”

Maria quit her job as a bus driver for tri-town schools to help her sister care for Allisa. Mitchell has been spending extra time with her and video chats with her every night.

“Mitchell has been really compassionate and really good to her,” said Maria.

His dad Michael added, “He’s got a big heart, that kid.”

On Thursday, Maria took Mitchell with her to Allisa’s treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, hoping it would help him see she is in good hands.

Mitchell made crafts with Allisa while they waited for her appointment and even got to meet Santa, who was visiting the hospital that day.

Mitchell feels better after the visit.

“I think she’ll be ok,” he said.

The support of teachers and students at Old Hammondtown School has been an encouragement. The school brought in $1,000 in donations for Allisa and her family on Friday.

To donate to Allisa’s fund, visit GoFundMe.com/htvczo.

As Mitchell wrote in a paragraph about his cousin, “Every prayer, thought, and donation counts.”