Today is a big day for me! I have been growing my hair out for the past 2 years in preparation to be able to meet the minimum hair length to donate to a non-profit organization called "Locks of Love". They have a fantastic website filled with pictures, answers to questions and information regarding donors and questions that might come along with becoming one. I have some before and after pictures too - wanted to make it fun! I am able to donate 15 inches!!! How cool...
http://www.locksoflove.org/mission.html
A few years ago, a good friend of mine grew out her hair to donate and I researched the organization and became a supporter. I see this as something we all do anyway- (grow out our hair) so my hope is to share something new with someone (like my friend did) and inspire you to learn more and do what I did... give. I read their mission statement and vision on the website and feel this is something that all of us can contribute a small part to help a big cause.
A few things that I learned that I want to share:
1. It can take up to 6 (yes, 6!!!) donors to get ONE prosthesis made for a recipient. That is a LOT of need and many of us grow out our hair for various reasons so why not give it away (its like recycling!) to a group who needs it and uses it.2. The hair is used to make a prosthetic hair piece which is VERY different from a wig. When I read about the difference between a wig vs a prosthesis, I understand why there is so much cost associated with making one. They retail up to $6k EACH. The child can go about living a normal life again. The piece forms a vacuum seal with suction to the head allowing the child to swim, shower, play and live a normal childhood without the fear of having a wig fall off or get pulled off by a classmate.
3. Recipients are underprivileged children (mostly little girls)- they are up to age 21 and many times a recipient will receive more than 1 prosthesis in their lifetime.
4. Recipients suffer from various diseases causing hair loss- not just cancer patients. (I never knew that their were autoimmune disorders like this. I figured they would mainly be cancer patients- which some of them are, but many of them are kiddos who will never have hair grow back after treatment.) So sad.
5. Many salons don't know about Locks for Love- the salon stylist that cut my hair today knew about the organization, but didn't know it was that easy to send your hair. I gave her a sheet that she can post in her salon for when people come in and want to chop off their hair- which people do! She said they usually throw the hair away, but if they knew how to properly handle it and send it somewhere- they would.
I could write a lot more here, but I hope to give you enough to open the door to learning about organizations out there that we can contribute to by doing small acts, but are received in a BIG way. I have personally committed to being a continuous donor (why not! I loved growing out my hair and then knowing I am helping someone by doing so... score!) and hope you will share this with people in your life that may be cutting their hair soon, that have long hair, that like to give, that work at/own a salon, or like to give. :)
In addition to my hair, Classy Concepts Bridal Boutique is giving a financial donation of $1,500.00 in honor of my dear friends Jenel and Larry Looney. They are two of the most GIVING and selfless people I know. I cannot count all the times that they have done unspeakable acts of kindness toward me and my loved ones... they help total strangers... they are just looney! :) Jenel and Larry are constantly volunteering and because of them... I remember to do the same. And, well, Larry is bald and has a great sense of humor! So, what can I say! ;) Many of my customers (90% of them are brides) are growing out their hair for the wedding- so I hope that many of you read this too and know that by the time you get to your 1st year anniversary... you will have 10-12" to donate and please consider it! You will feel as wonderful as I do! :) (Love my customers- they are such great blessings in my life!)