 Alli and Gary Wright grew their hair and donated it to Locks of Love last month. The generous impulse of a Fayetteville child has resulted in a gift to children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons.
Alli Wright and her dad, Gary, each grew their hair long for several years and donated it to Locks of Love, which makes hair prosthetics for children. Alli came up with the idea, and it didn't take much urging to get her father on board.
Several years ago, mom Melissa Wright explained, Gary's mother in Iowa was diagnosed with colon cancer. The family also has a neighbor and dear friend who has battled leukemia for a number of years.
"Our friend showed Alli her wigs and told her how they were made from human hair," Melissa said. "We explained that a lot of little kids need hair, too, and Alli said she wanted to grow hers."
Last year, Alli asked her dad if he would grow his hair, too, and he agreed. Gary works at the Nestle Purina plant in Fairburn, and it wasn’t hard for him to bundle his hair up under a cap at work.
Sadly, Alli's "Nan" lost her battle with colon cancer on Dec. 16, but that didn't deter the little girl from making her donation. On Jan. 16, she and Gary visited Fantastic Sams and hairstylist Cassie put their locks in ponytails and cut them off for delivery to Locks of Love.
"Alli donated one pigtail that was 11 inches long," her mom said. Dad Gary was able to send three pigtails, each 12 inches long.
"Alli was so proud. She made all the phone calls to family, telling them what she had done," her mom said.
Even though she lovers her new haircut, the Spring Hill Elementary kindergartener is planning to grow her hair again. Gary will join her.
"She wants to do it memory of her "Nan" and in honor of our friend," Melissa noted. |
