No more wigs or extensions

[Amanda1128]

Due to battling cancer with my father for the past two years I have not been on here much. This past May my father lost the war. We got much closer through it all. Visiting all the specialists across the state. It was at one of these specialist office a life changing event occurred. Dad was checking in, I was sitting in the waiting room playing a game on my phone. In walked a mother and daughter. The daughter no more than 13 years old I'm sure in a wheelchair with oxygen tank, Iv and other medical devices attached or in tow sat in the chairs facing me. She was bald as. Bald could be, no doubt from the cancer treatments. Dad came and sat next to me and we waited for him to be called in. The girl in the wheelchair was staring at me and began tear up. Her mother told her to stop staring. She whispered to her mother and she shed a tear. I looked up and she was staring at me and looked away when she realized I caught her. Her mother said "I apologize for her staring , but your hair reminds her of hers when she had it." On the four hour drive home with dad sleeping I had nothing to do but think about that. Short version of the story, I decided to grow my hair out to donate to wigs for kids. So in three years I'll get a haircut whether I need it or not. The fringe benefit, no more wigs or extensions. I'm no longer the one saying someone should do something about that. I'm the one doing something about it. It feels good.

[rebecca34]

Something good coming out of something sad. That's a kind thing to do Amanda. Hopefully you can have a bit of fun with your 'new' hair too!

It's always painful to watch loved ones going through the mill and I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you can draw strength and comfort from knowing you did your best for your Dad when he need you to.

It's the little ones that really get me though, they've just started their lives bless them.


edit to say; my family has recently been on the receiving end of kindness and charity towards one of our children who has ongoing medical 'challenges', so I understand just how humbling and uplifting it can be to know the 'kindness of strangers'. It might not seem like much to you, but to the recipient it will mean the world. Thank you.

[alwayshave]

Amanda, my condolences on your dad's passing. Giving to kids who need it is always a good thing.

[josie_S]

I'm sorry for your loss. What a beautiful gesture

[ronda]

prayers for you and your family sorry to hear of the loss of you Dad having just finishing cancer treatment I know what you both went through.

[AllieSF]

Condolences and thank you. It was exactly the true story I need to here this morning. Thanks and good luck with life.

[Stephanie47]

Touching story. My wife is recovering from her cancer treatments. When she was going through chemotherapy all her hair fell out. Her reaction was similar to the girl you saw. It seems hair is really an identifiable asset of a woman no matter her age. Losing her hair was the most traumatic thing of her treatment. Many years ago my daughter grew her hair down to her butt and donated it. I have a male friend who, along with his wife, are both growing their hair out to donate it. It's not the first time they are doing it. Among my group of former military infantryman nobody ribs him at all. Amanda, I know whoever gets your hair will greatly appreciate it.

[Rachael Leigh]

Amanda so sorry for your loss but it was good that you were able to spend those moments with your dad. Forever memories.
What a beautiful thing you are doing with your hair for so many in need. Thank you for sharing this we all should know how
truly blessed we are.
Rachael Leigh

[Territx]

I am sorry for your loss, but excited about your new path to helping others. Good for you! Every little thing and detail matter to those in need.

[crystaltvco]

When I started being a full time IT geek, MANY moons ago, I figured I was too old to dye and spike my hair and get all kinds of piercings. So, being the child of the 70's I am, I grew it out. Much to my wife's consternation. So at least once in my life, I donated it to Locks of Love. I have read where if they can't use it, they will sell the donation. For what I think is a great article on this subject, I would ask you check out this link:
http://www.businessinsider.com/donating-hair-to-charity-what-you-need-to-know-2016-12

Then make your own decision.

I chose Locks of Love over 15 years ago. Before I knew about their policies. The main thing is the salon taking the donation, at least back then so check now, would give you a free hair cut. And back then free was good! YMMV

Big hugs to you for thinking of others. As I would expect nothing less from this wonderful group of people!!

Remember to not dye or do a lot of chemical work to it!!

[Pat]

Amanda -- I'm also sorry for your loss, but what a great thing for you to do! Thanks for sharing that.

[Jeri Ann]

Hey Amanda,

Thank you for sharing this story. It really strikes a chord with me because just yesterday I made the decision that when I pass my body will be donated to Medical science, in particular, my brain will be donated for transgender research. We live in such a needy world. It is important to keep in mind that, to the world we might be just one person, but to one person we might just be the whole world.


When life gives you lemons make lemonade.

[Jenny22]

An adult fighting a cancer is bad enough, but a child fighting cancer is truly heart breaking. I annually donate to St. Judes.. Just saying.

[bridget thronton]

Well done on the hair donation - and nice to honor your father's passing

[Pat]

It really strikes a chord with me because just yesterday I made the decision that when I pass my body will be donated to Medical science, in particular, my brain will be donated for transgender research.

Not to derail the thread, but is there a formal program for that? How do you sign up?

[Jeri Ann]

Hey Pat,

You can donate your remains to the University of Texas Medical branch and they will come get the remains, remove what is needed, cremate the rest and return them to the family free of charge. As for designation to particular research, I think it is a matter of the family letting them know. It also will be included in my Living Will.

We had better get back to hair.

Jeri