Students and adults donate hair to help children who have lost theirs due to cancer or other reasons
Five St. John Neumann School students show their hair as it was prepped for cutting. From left in each photo are fourth-grader Luciana Ruiz, fourth-grader Julia Lawrence, fourth-grader Eva Doyle, third-grader Nadia Gentile, and fourth-grader Alexa Sikora.
St. John Neumann School in Farragut held its 14th annual Ponytail Drive on Feb. 28 as students, faculty members, and family donors supported children who have lost hair because of cancer, alopecia, or other reasons.
The Student Leadership Council led an assembly where the donors’ hair was cut. The assembly opened and closed with prayer.
“This is always such a special day at our school, and today we come together to show love, generosity, and support for children who are experiencing hair loss,” the council announced during the event. “What an incredible gift it is to be able to make a real difference in someone’s life, just by sharing something so personal as our hair! As a Catholic school, we’re called to serve others and live out Christ’s love in tangible ways.
“Today, we have the privilege of doing just that by contributing to the Children with Hair Loss organization. This wonderful nonprofit provides free wigs made from real human hair to children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. Children with Hair Loss not only helps restore the physical appearance of these children but also helps restore their confidence, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. Their mission is to ensure that no child ever has to go without a wig because of their financial situation, and that’s why your donations today mean so much.”
Belleza Salon and Spa stylist Amber Collier cuts the hair of third-grader Nadia Gentile. Students and adults donated hair in the Ponytail Drive to the Children with Hair Loss organization, a nonprofit that provides free wigs to children who have lost their hair because of medical reasons.
Stylists from Belleza Salon and Spa’s Bearden and Turkey Creek locations volunteered their time and talent to help put the donors’ hair in ponytails before the event and cleaned up the cut afterward.
Fourth-grader Alexa Sikora and her mother, Dr. Stephanie Cohrac Sikora, donated their hair this year.
“I’m donating my hair because my mom and I donate our hair every two years,” Alexa said during the event. “I also want anyone with hair loss to feel confident, happy, and beautiful.”
Another donor, kindergartner Nora Riker, donated her hair because she thinks everyone should have red hair just like her.
The school had 17 total donors this year, consisting of 11 students, two teachers, three moms, and one aunt.
