Over the last (almost) 21 years, I can specifically remember three times that I got a dramatic haircut. I have always had long, thick hair. We all have those parts about our self that we identify with and would not be the same without. I know that it may sound silly, or even materialistic, to some but my hair has always been that one thing for me. For the last couple of years, my hair has dramatically been changing. It constantly falls out in excess--to the point where I have even had to get medicated shampoo. I will find clumps of hair everywhere or end up standing ankle deep in water after washing my hair while taking a shower. This hair loss had really been impacting my life; not only physically but emotionally as well. I sometimes hate to admit it but hey, I am being completely real with y'all.. I have shed many tears over strands of loose hair. After I was challenged to pray for God to break my heart for the things that breaks His, I came to a realization.
Although I only had about a third of the hair I was used to having, I STILL HAD HAIR. There are so many little boys and girls, pre-teens and teens, or women and men out there who have lost, or are losing, all of their hair. That is when I began my research. After finding a non-profit organization for hair donations, I began my uncomfortable step. Before I knew it, my hair was in a braid being prepared to be chopped off! As soon as I heard the scissors starting to cut, the tears began to fall. However, my heart began to grow as well. I realized how blessed I truly am and stepped out of my comfort zone in order to help put a smile on someone else's face. I went in preparing to donate 8 inches of my hair and came out with a braid of almost 13 inches of my hair. Now, I still have hair (still working on the hair loss but God is still good!) and will help someone else will get their own "new hair" as well.
I encourage anyone else who has the opportunity to donate their hair to do so! However, please consider thinking before you donate and doing research first. There are many great organizations out there. Unfortunately, there are also many organizations out there who charge their customers insane amounts for their wigs. That is right; they make money off of your hair that you sent them for free by charging people who are already going through dramatic events.
After much research, I found a non-profit organization called Children With Hair Loss. They accept donations of natural, color treated, and gray hair of at least 8 inches (or longer). They help to provide wigs, at no cost, to children and young adults who have been impacted by medically related hair loss. The children and young adults are eligible to receive a new wig once a year, still at no cost, until they are 21!
Children With Hair Loss would not be able to remain a non-profit organization without our help. Please, follow the link below to donate hair, contribute financially, or find out more information!
https://www.childrenwithhairloss.us
My aunt, Dawn McDaniel Owens and college friend, Hunter Martin, donated to CWHL as well!
