A Hairy Situation, a Momentous Celebration!


With changing seasons, you may find yourself thinking about a new ‘do. If you’ve always had long locks, why not consider chopping them for charity? It’s a great way to try a new style and help an amazing cause.


As you may know, I started growing out my hair for charity shortly after I learned of my mom’s breast cancer diagnosis (Fall ‘08). I’m thrilled to report that Mom finished her treatments in March of this year, which meant it was time to make THE cut!


And I wasn’t alone in my hair-growing endeavors. My dear friends Wendy Smedley and Angie Lucas were with me every step of the way, growing out their hair to support me and the loved ones in their lives who were also dealing with the heartache that comes from having breast cancer. Here we are just before our cuts.



And here are a few of the after shots. I cut a total of 10”.


Thanks to Becky Olsen for joining us on cut day. She took these photos and also donated her own hair!


My first thought was, “Eeep! It’s SO short,” but the shock eventually wore off (my hair has never been this short), and I’m actually really digging the new look. It’s much, MUCH easier to do now, and I’ve basically cut my drying time in half. If that’s not enough to convince you to do the same, I don’t know what is...oh, yes I do--it’s the fact that you can make someone else’s day by sending your hair to be made into a beautiful new wig!


Not only is donating hair completely worthwhile, it’s also oddly comforting. How so? Well, if you’ve ever watched someone you love going through cancer treatments, you know that it can leave you feeling incredibly helpless. I found that this was something I could do--something I could focus on as Mom was going through so much. I talk a little bit more about this in this awesome segment Studio 5 did on our hair-growing efforts. I hope you have a minute to watch. I think you’ll be glad you did. Hair’s to you! ;)




An Update: Mom, Hair and the M Word (and I don't mean "marriage")

Unless you live beneath a rock, you know that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month also marks a year since my dear mommy found out she has breast cancer. Wow. What a year it has been. A very long, very exhausting year…

With all of this in mind, it feels like time for another update.

MOM
She’s doing great! She’s still in treatment and will be until March of next year, but she has two major steps behind her—chemo and radiation. And her hair has started growing back. She already has a little bit o’ brow and delicate little lashes. Way to go, Schmom!

LOCKS OF LOVE
Speaking of hair, I’m still working on growing mine out. I swear, my hair hits a certain length and just stops. Is that possible? At any rate, I’m determined to meet the 8" Locks of Love requirement so I can make the big cut. Here’s where I’m at with this measure-in:


8.5 inches! Only 1.5 to 2 inches left, simply because I want a little hair around my neck.

As a friendly reminder, this is a group effort. See how Wendy
and Angie are doing with their growth.

THE BIG M
Now, on to the scary stuff. I’m the daughter of a breast cancer patient, which means I have a one-in-three chance of following suit. No thanks! Not for me. I’m not as strong as my beautiful Schmom and I like my breasts too much. Is that okay to admit? Let’s hope so since I just did. ;)

So, here’s the plan. I’m going to get a mammogram. *gulp*

Yeah, I’m only 28, but I don’t exactly feel great about those 33% odds. I’ve heard the M hurts. I don’t look forward to having the gals exposed and squished, but I’m going to do it. *Deep breath* Yes, I’m going to do it and I hope you’ll consider doing the same. Strength in numbers, right?

THANKS & SALUTATIONS
Thanks, from my heart, for your ongoing support this year. My entire family deeply appreciates the love that you've so openly shown.

It feels a tad tacky to say “happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” so I’ll raise a glass to health in general. Please, don’t take yours for granted.