Hair today, gone tomorrow

Hair today and gone tomorrow! This year’s Locks of Marathon saw 19 people part with 199 inches of hair to help children with cancer and an autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata.  The hair will be sent to the Locks of Love headquarters where it will be woven into wigs for these children.

The marathon was sponsored by the College’s WILL (Women in Learning and Leadership), an academic and community service program that promotes leadership in women.  This is the second consecutive year they have hosted the event.

"As an organization, this is our way of redefining beauty.  It is often thought that one's image is everything, but the glow that you see in a young man or woman's eyes when they donate their hair is the true beauty of this event,” said Ashley Reichelmann, executive chair of WILL, who donated 10 inches of her blonde hair. “This is my second time donating my hair, but it will grow back.  Now it is time to give to those who do not have that chance!"

Cassandra Castellano, a sophomore criminal justice studies major and a member WILL’s executive board, walked in to the Student Center today thinking that she was going to contribute only her time. However, after watching her peers donate their hair, Castellano ended up contributing ten inches of her golden locks, a deed that she called “empowering and liberating.”

The largest donor of the afternoon was freshman computer science major Walter Crestfield, who donated 16 inches of his long dark hair.

The hairstylist, Lakisha Lewis from Xclusive Hair Salon in Trenton, was happy to volunteer her time and service to the cause. Lewis, who had never cut for Locks of Love before, lost both her mother and brother to cancer and she said this was a very gratifying experience for her.

The nonprofit Locks of Love has supplied more than 1,400 children with human hair wigs since it was founded in 1997. Participants must donate at least 10 inches of hair that is not bleached or chemically treated. The hair pieces don't require tape or glue, because in most cases the children's scalps are not allowed to come in contact with chemicals.

For more information about Locks of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org