UD students donate hair to children without

Sophomore Noelle Andrews’ hair before her donation

1:53 p.m., May 12, 2005--Seventy-five UD students recently had their tresses trimmed to donate to Locks of Love to make hair prostheses for children 18 and younger who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Sponsored by Residence Life and UD’s Resident Student Association and coordinated by students Denise Murray, Katie Amour, Brandon Townsend and 20 volunteers, the Locks of Love event yielded 68 feet of hair that will now become hair pieces for those who have lost their hair for any medical reason, including a disease known as alopecia areata that has no known cause or cure. Locks of Love provides real-hair prostheses to children to help restore their self-esteem.

Murray said this was the first time that a Locks of Love event was held at UD. “Twelve hairdressers volunteered--from Rumors, Cat’s Eye, J.C. Penney (Christiana Mall), Perry Anthony, Salon by Anthony, Clara Bella and Maureen’s. Platinum helped out by cutting girls' hair at their salon because of the overwhelming response.”

Murray said that for those who are interested in donating at least 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love, the salons style their hair for free. For a list of participating salons, visit [www.locksoflove.org/].

Andrews after her donation to Locks of Love

“I’d like to see this become an annual event,” Murray said.

Participation was especially strong among visual communications students.

Sophomore Noelle Andrews said she was delighted with her new ‘do. “I love my new haircut. And, I'm so happy I did it for the kids,” she said.

Alumna Karla Berger before (left) and after her donation to Locks of Love

Karla Berger, a fine arts and visual communications graduate, said it was her second time around. “It is a lot easier when you know you're doing it for the kids. Plus, it saves a ton of money on shampoo!”

Lerner College of Business and Economics freshman Jenny Kramer bid a fond farewell to her long brown hair. “Goodbye long hair, you'll be going to a better place,” she said.

Article by Barbara Garrison

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