Greetings, subscribers. This post is about something I did to honor cancer victims. My mother died of ovarian cancer at the young age of 48 in 1968 when I was 16 years old. As I recall, she didn’t have time to actually lose much of her hair before that dreadful disease took her from us. Last year, I decided to do something to help other cancer victims. If you can, join me if you can in my campaign, “Grow Your Hair. Give it Away.”
During COVID, like many of you may have, I let my hair grow. A couple of times, my dear husband, Hoyt, trimmed it for me, but for the most part, I did not see my regular hair stylist for months and months. I let the color grow out (I used to get it dyed) as well as the length.
An inspiring hair-giver
One day when I arrived at the gym where I swim, I noticed that the gal at the welcome desk looked very different. She’d cut her VERY long hair. I complimented her on the new style and she told me about the program she’d donated her long tresses to: “Hair We Share.”
That day I decided to continue letting my hair grow and grow and grow until I had enough to meet the requirement of at least eight inches long. Then they’d accept my locks as a donation. Then they could make a wig to give someone in need of hair, due, in many cases, to one of the terrible side effects of chemotherapy.
Yes, I thought. This was a way to volunteer, to do something worthwhile, to be of service to others in need. I’m no saint, that’s for sure, and growing it out sometimes felt like a chore, especially here in Florida where it is hot nearly 90% of the year. A ponytail was my regular look. But this little task of merely letting a natural process take its course was nothing compared to what people go through with an illness that leaves them bald. Wigs can make them feel more presentable, happier, healthier looking.
A call to action, if you can do it
If you are interested in participating in this program (it does require a donation to cover costs of wig-making), I highly suggest you visit the “Hair We Share” website here.
There are other companies that provide free wigs besides this one. I just chose it because that’s the one I heard about at the gym. That personal connection motivated me to do it.
Below is a little slideshow of my experience. Many thanks go to my hair stylist, Lauren Barnes, in Winter Park FL. She’s the best!
Thanks for reading!
Next time: #4 in the Care for Mother Nature series by Peg Lantz.
Your writer on the wing,
Charlene
Peggy+Lantz
A beautiful thing to do.
Nylda Dieppa
Each little action we take to help others is a big step forward toward improving their lives and the world we live in. Bravo, Charlene!
Candy Dawson
This makes me smile—thinking of your dedication and imagining the lucky woman to receive such a beautiful gift. Just lovely all around.
Charlene L. Edge
If any of you know a friend or relative who might like to share their hair, feel free to forward this blog post to them.
All my posts are free and you can share any of them with anyone, anywhere, anytime you like!
Robyn
Beautiful hair, beautiful contribution.