Locks of Love a Great Way to Help Others

WHS Lions Pride Original Story:

by Shelby Williams

Alopecia areata causes the hair follicles to shut down; chemotherapy causes hair loss as a side effect of the radiation to treat cancer. Locks of Love, a non-profit organization, brings not only wigs to patients, but a new sense of self confidence as well.

“My sister, Erica donated before I did. It meant so much for our family. At the time, my grandmother was currently battling with pancreatic cancer. It showed our support to others as well as to her,” said Anna Eyler, student at Walkersville High School.

Donating helps not only those who are in need of hair but those who donate and their loved ones. It’s an eye opener to many, realizing that what they are doing will not only bring a smile to their face but to the recipients as well.

“Long hair is a hassle, but if you have the chance to donate it, giving it to someone who needs it, it’s worth it,” said Eric Reickel, teacher at Walkersville High School.

This is open to anyone, men, women, and children. As long as the length is at a minimum of eight inches and is undyed, your donation will be accepted. It won’t just be your average trip to the salon or barber.

“Christine donated about twelve inches; it was an experience not only for her but our whole family. More need to donate; it’s such a wonderful organization,” said Elizabeth Peifer, student at Walkersville High School.

I, myself, have donated twice, once when I was about ten and just recently this past summer. My second time I ‘chopped’ and donated seventeen inches of my hair. While I sat in the chair, hearing the scissors and my brother laughing…..I was more than just nervous. I admit, I was excited. Not only were my parents proud, and my hairdresser impressed, I had a sense of pride myself.

Seeing before and after pictures was a bit of a shock, but it was not as overwhelming as knowing that my hair was going to be a wig. My hair would not only be a wig for someone who needs it,but it would be a new them as well. Not a costume of any kind, but a new way to have whoever receives it express them self in a way they haven’t before.

“We both [my sister and I] donated about ten inches,” said Eyler.

“I have donated in the past and will donate again,” said Reickel.

Those who already have had the pleasure to work with such a wonderful organization while surely prove to others that it’s the right thing to do. Locks of Love is a unique way to give back to those who are ill. Your donation could be the next dream prom hair do for a young lady, or an accessory to a cancer survivor. Either way both the donor and the recipient will walk away with a newfound confidence.