Salon partners with charity to provide hair for children in need
It took just seconds to cut the long brown hair Jenny Lazarus had been growing for almost 10 years.
Lazarus, a graphic designer at the Cyber Innovation Center, went on a local television station Monday to not only cut nine inches of her, but to raise awareness about Children With Hair Loss (CWHL).
CWHL is a non-profit organization that offers free hair replacements to all children who have medical-related hair loss. Although she was hesitant about cutting it, Lazarus said she worked up the courage to finally get it done.
Because Children With Hair Loss is such a valued organization, Lazarus wanted to help spread the word and took this opportunity to create an event. From there, news of the event quickly spread through word of mouth and several local media outlets.
"In the process of telling people about cutting my hair, several of my friends were interested in cutting their hair too,” she said. “I had several friends around the state and out of state who were also going to donate their hair.”
Lazarus partnered with Runway Hair Salon in the Villaggio for a two-day haircutting event this week. The donated hair, she said, will go toward hairpieces and wigs, which the CWHL website said costs up to $5,000 per customized hair replacement system, care kit and replacement once a year until the age of 21.
Hairstylist Kaylie Casto was the one to make the cut Monday on television. Casto said hair like Lazarus' will help children feel beautiful at a difficult time in their life.
“The hair will help them feel normal again and also help the families cope with the effects of their medical condition,” Casto said. “I really hope this inspires others to grow out their hair and eventually donate it to a good cause like this.”
Aside from collecting hair and monetary donations, Lazarus said the main goal was to spread awareness about CWHL and how the organization impacts different families.
“The hair helps the children fit in and have them forget that they are sick,” she said. “Families are truly touched and blessed to be apart of what Children With Hair Loss provides."
Since opening in 2000, CWHL has helped thousands of children with hair loss at no cost to the family. Lazarus said it will take a little time to get used to her new hairstyle, but knowing it was for a child in need makes every inch worth it.
“I feel like a different woman,” she said, looking in the mirror as she ran her fingers through her now shoulder length hair. “I am so blessed to be able to have donated nine inches of my own hair. It will be put to good use and put a smile on a child's precious face."
For more information on how to donate to Children with Hair Loss, visit www.childrenwithhairloss.us
