I am one lucky girl. My Mom and Dad presented me with three fabulous sisters. As far as I’m concerned, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
We all inherited various physical traits from our parents – most notable is our hair.
Ellen and Nancy got Mom’s straight, silky locks; Susan and I inherited Dad’s wavy, shiny tresses. I think we’ve all gone through stages of coveting each other’s hair. Typical sisters.
Nancy has generally worn her hair long … very long … and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Years ago she started donating her hair to Locks of Love, a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the USA and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
“Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.”–Locks of Love
So Nancy and I developed this wonderful ritual of cutting her hair every 1-2 years to send to Locks of Love. They ask that you submit a ponytail or braid that’s at least 10 inches long.
So if you, or someone you know might be interested in this worthy cause, check out Locks of Love … and make some kid’s day!
Peace and Love,
Terri
GALLIVANCE 
It’s wonderful that you do this. My son grew his hair long in high school and then donated it to Locks of Love right before he went into the Air Force. My daughter donates hers to Pantene Beautiful Lengths since we learned that Locks sometimes throws out hair.
My sister Nancy thanks you Juliann. And now she’s so glad to know about Pantene Beautiful Lengths. It’s always good to have options and spread the love around. All the best, Terri
what a great post! how did i miss this!!! z
Thanks Lisa! It’s a wonderful tradition for a very worthy cause. ~Terri
Thanks so much for linking to our post! All the best, Terri & James
What a wonderful, selfless gift. Your sister is lucky her hair grows so fast!
Nancy has always enjoyed giving – whether it’s some perfect gift she stumbled upon … or her hair! It is amazing how fast her hair grows, Laura. And all the Sisters are totally jealous! 🙂
I did this last April and sent mine to a children’s charity in the UK for kids with cancer…considering you’d probably throw it in the bin anyway, such a small thing for you can mean so much to someone else! Good on you!!
That is SO cool that you donated your hair too! Some lucky kid will be very happy. 🙂 We were trying to figure out how many times she’s donated over the years, but we lost count. So glad you stopped by. All the best, Terri
What a generous sister you have. That her hair grows so quickly astounds me. I understand that the hair must never have been dyed or treated with any chemicals to qualify. Is that accurate?
You’re right Sue. Nancy is our “natural girl’ and perfectly meets all their qualifications. We did tease her that we found ONE strand of gray in those 15 inches. All I know is that there’s one lucky kiddo who will be sporting her locks! 🙂 ~Terri
What a sweet and loving gesture and post. Thank you.
Thanks so much Jet! I’ve been blessed with three sisters who are incredibly generous and giving. Nancy has definitely found “her niche” since none of the rest of us have the patience to grow our hair that long. 🙂 ~Terri
I have three sisters, too, and know well of the blessing of which you speak.
Wonderful idea.
Thanks Linda. My sister has always been the queen of wonderful ideas.:) ~Terri
such a good thing to do..
Hi Mekala. My sister has always been so giving – even when it comes to her hair! ~Terri
This is a very cool thing for sisters to do together! I love that it’s a tradition.
Jennie, Nancy and I were trying to figure out how many times she had donated her hair, but we lost count! Let’s just say “a bunch.” And I’m so glad that she let me do the honors of “making the cut.” Nerve-wracking! 🙂 ~Terri
I love Locks of Love! I’ve donated once or twice in my life. I can never seem to wait long enough to get the required length before I am ready to chop it off again. But, it’s such a great program!
Liz, I can see that with your gorgeous tresses you made some child very happy! 🙂 Good on you! ~Terri
That’s wonderful that you guys do that! I did it once but my hair grows so slowly and sort of stops at some point so I still end up with pretty short hair. I grew it out again to donate but I really like having long hair again…so we will see how I feel in the summer. It’s for a good cause and it always grows back, so I will probably do it soon!
Good for you Heather. Like you, my hair doesn’t grow nearly as fast as my sister’s … or I don’t have the patience! Living in warm climates I tend to keep my hair on the short side – well actually, in August I’m usually ready to shave my head.:) I would love to know what you decide to do in the summer. So glad you stopped by. ~Terri
Yay Nancy! It’s such a great gesture. My niece also donates. I would but my hair is so frizzy it’s not really desirable.
And Yay for your niece, Peggy. It’s such a great thing to do. I even read abut some guys who have donated – surfin’ dudes who wanted to help the cause. 🙂 Good on them, too! ~Terri
One lives & learns. Didn’t know about the possibilities of ‘hair’. Mine is straight & dark & grows so fast
That’s true Sudapoedia. I saw your gorgeous hair in your photo. How long is it in the back? ~Terri
Again- a lovely idea, Terri! My own is sparse and grey but I shall look out for suitable candidates 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day to you both!
I didn’t know anything about the organization until a friend got cancer and lost her hair during chemotherapy. She told me about this wonderful organization and I’m a big supporter. Happy Valentines Day to you too! ~Terri
That’s definitely a lot of hair!
Yes it is Bronwyn! And it’s amazingly heavy when I hold it in my hands to cut it. It’s also very silky, so it slips around as you try to cut it. I remember my Mom trying to cut Nancy’s bangs (fringe) as a little girl and remarking how difficult it was to get a straight cut! 🙂 ~Terri
What a wonderful idea.
I agree! I don’t know where the idea originated, but it certainly has eased the life of kids with cancer. ~Terri
This is amazing! I think physical advantages (in this case having such a nice hair) should be used to help people who are in worse conditions. So this story made me happy and really proud of your family. Those simple actions make our life worth while 🙂 Hugs
Virginia, you always say things so beautifully! My 3 sisters have always been great at volunteering their time, talents … and hair! 🙂 Hugs right back at you. ~Terri
What a great tradition! As dry and split as my hair is from this weather, no one would want mine. 😉
Thanks Anita – it is a wonderful tradition. Nancy’s only requirement is that I can’t have a glass of wine until AFTER the hair cut. 🙂 ~Terri
Beautiful story Terri. Good for Nancy. I am always impressed by acts of kindness. –Curt
Thank you Curt. As my Dad would have said, “She’s a keeper (along with her other 3 sisters!” 🙂 ~Terri