The Macs

Monday, August 30, 2010

goodbye long hair {locks of love}

I remember sitting in Cora's hospital room and meeting her oncologist for the first time. It was surreal. Just the day before I thought my daughter was suffering from a nagging ear infection and now I was listening to an oncologist tell me all about her cancer. I could hardly put it together that my daughter had cancer. I was completely overwhelmed to say the least. I had never heard of Neuroblastoma. I had so many questions yet I was still in such shock I could hardly put my thoughts together to ask them. As we talked about Cora's chemotherapy I do remember asking the oncologist if she would loose her hair. I dreaded the answer. In my mind cancer equaled loosing your hair. The oncologist was always so kind as he talked to us, but with his next words he confirmed my fear. Yes, although some children do not loose their hair during chemotherapy, there was a good chance that she could. All I could do was cry. 

One of Cora's physical attributes that I just loved was her hair. I remember being so surprised when she was born by how much hair she had. Her hair was a very similar color to mine and she often had a little barrette on one side. While I know very well that our physical appearance does not define who we are, I HATED the idea of my baby girl loosing her hair. She probably would have been a cute bald baby, but I knew her already puffy face and bald head was going to make her look so sick. I didn't want my baby to be sick or look sick for that matter. The reality of her loosing her hair made everything else all the more real.

Cora began loosing her hair following her first and only round of chemotherapy. I remember seeing those first pieces of hair on her hospital crib and feeling so sad for Cora. But honestly, by that time the reality of how sick my baby was had sunk in. By this point we had been in the hospital for two weeks. Cora was on an oscillator and we were so concerned by her decreasing oxygen levels. I remember crying out to God all throughout the day and feeling so silly that I had even cared about her hair falling out. I remember begging on my knees for Cora to be healed. I told God that I didn't care if Cora ever had hair again, I just wanted to be able to hold her and play with her. I just wanted to be able to take my baby home.

As Cora's hair began to fall out, Joel and several of the boys in our families decided that if Cora was going to loose her hair they were going to shave their heads too. I wanted to "do" something too. As I sat by Cora's bedside I felt so helpless everyday. Moms are supposed to help and take care of their babies and there was nothing I could do. So, my sister and I decided that while we weren't brave enough to shave our heads we could grow our hair out and donate it to Locks of Love.

Cora never lost enough of her hair to notice too much. Only her Mama would really notice. A few days after her hair started to fall out, Cora went to be with Jesus. We never got to see what our little girl would have looked like with a bald head.

After Cora died, my sister and I decided we would still grow our hair out in her honor. Locks of Love's 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. When you are dealing with childhood diseases and disorders your life is anything but normal. I love that the simple gift of my ponytail might bless a beautiful little girl who has lost her hair.

So can you guess what my big change is??

Saturday was haircutting day. My sister has been begging me to cut my hair for a few months now. Her hair grows faster, so I was a little behind her in length. I finally decided I could handle it...I was hoping it wasn't going to be too short though.

Here we are before we left. A last look at our long locks.

I made Anne go first. I told her that way I still had time to chicken out. She didn't like that, but agreed to go first anyway. Sometimes it pays to be the big sister.

Ten inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

There was no turning back now.

My sister has super-thick hair. Look at that ponytail!

And here she is checking out her new look. Doesn't she look great?

Our stylist is a friend from high school. She always does such a great job. She has two sweet blonde headed little girls. They entertained us while we waited.

Okay, now it was my turn.

If we wouldn't have been doing this in honor of Cora, I might have chickened out. Just being honest. 

Feeling those scissors cut through all those layers of hair is so weird. 

And holding your ponytail in your hand is even more weird. I think at this point I was just praying that my hair wouldn't be too crazy short.

The last time I cut my hair really short was right before Cora was born. It was all pretty much one length though. I don't think I have ever cut my hair this short, especially in the back.

Of course Aimee made me look so stylish. I don't know why I even doubted.

I loved that I could do this with my sister. And I loved that we could do something little, in honor of Cora, to help another family that is hurting.

So, if you have long hair and are ready for a change, check out Locks of Love. It really is fun...kind of like being on one of those makeover shows. How do I feel about my new short hair? I love how Aimee styled it, but it is definitely going to take some getting used to. Spending less time with my blow dryer has been fabulous though!

107 Comments:

Blogger Kat said...

It looks amazing and you both look beautiful. What a wonderful gift!

August 30, 2010 at 3:36 PM  
Blogger Disney Freak said...

It looks wonderful! My little sister donated to locks of love once. I've always wanted to; but never have the patience to grow my hair long!!

August 30, 2010 at 3:37 PM  
Blogger Beckypdj said...

Gorgeous, inside and out :)

August 30, 2010 at 3:37 PM  
Blogger Florida Blog Chick said...

Such a wonderful story. You ladies both look FAB! I have enjoyed reading your blog so much. I feel as if your family has totally touched my heart and I don't even know you IRL. Locks of Love is an amazing foundation. It's so inspiring to read about this today. I hope that with each and every day you are granted the strength and peace to embrace the happiness of your gorgeous family, with Cora's memory in your heart forever. ♥

August 30, 2010 at 3:38 PM  
Blogger Sarah said...

You girls look great and what a wonderful gift!

August 30, 2010 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Amazing! What a special thing to do with your sister to honor your sweet Cora. I am in tears reading it! I don't think I've ever had 10 inches of hair at one time, but I've been close. Might be time to let it grow...

Thank you for sharing...so special!

August 30, 2010 at 3:43 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

gave me chills reading this! how wonderful to honor Cora in this way and I think both of you can rock some short hair!!!

August 30, 2010 at 3:47 PM  
Blogger Tina said...

A couple years ago, I donated to Locks of Love too.

Makes you feel all warm & fuzzy inside doesn't it? And...you both look beautiful both ways so it's a win win.

August 30, 2010 at 3:48 PM  
Blogger Devon said...

what an amazing gift! if i could get my hair to grow that long i would do it too!!

you look fabulous, btw. both of you!

August 30, 2010 at 3:50 PM  
Blogger Natalie said...

wow! I can't get over how beautiful you look--what a special gift!

August 30, 2010 at 3:53 PM  
Blogger k and c's mom said...

You look PRECIOUS!!!
So proud of you.

August 30, 2010 at 3:53 PM  
Blogger Amanda said...

Okay, maybe you convinced me to keep trying to grow mine out. I think I have a ways to go - but hopefully it will grow fast!

You both look ADORABLE! I am so glad you got to do this in honor of Cora - I remember stroking her hair the day we visited her in the hospital - a memory I'll never let go of.

August 30, 2010 at 3:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's a wonderful cause and what you did is amazing. You look great with short hair. I'm sure Cora is looking down on her very stylish mama smiling (with a full head of beautiful hair).

Your story still captivates me.

August 30, 2010 at 3:54 PM  
Anonymous Tami from Rochester said...

I am growing for Locks of Love now. I have the opposite issue that you did. My hair hasn't been this long in over 16 years. I decided to start growing it a couple of months ago. I have about 4-5"'s that would be comfortably cut.
After going to a wedding last weekend; I have to admit styling it has been a pain in the behind. I actually colored it red to help give me something to get thru it.
But, what it all comes down to is some beautiful child is going to have a lighter spring in their step and a new sense of confidence from something as simple as me putting up with a few months...well maybe a year of me being annoyed that my hair is 'too' long.
I encourage everyone who can grow their hair to do i

August 30, 2010 at 3:55 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You girls look great. An incredible gift in honor of a sweet baby girl from her mom and aunt.

August 30, 2010 at 3:56 PM  
Blogger Tara said...

i love your new hair-do! so cute!!! plus, that's awesome to be able to donate to such an amazing cause! :)

August 30, 2010 at 3:58 PM  
Blogger Raising Koehns said...

Beautiful hair, beautiful gift... ;-)

August 30, 2010 at 4:06 PM  
Blogger The Sieberts said...

you girls look GREAT!

August 30, 2010 at 4:09 PM  
Blogger Kylee said...

I think it is so cute! I chopped all of my hair off about 5 years ago, but it was a spur of the moment decision and I didn't have time to think about locks of love, as I was sitting in the chair when I decided to have it all cut and I had no idea how it all worked. I do agree, though, holding a ponytail in your hand is so weird.

I think it's so sweet that you did this for your daughter. You're such a good mom!

August 30, 2010 at 4:12 PM  
Blogger A said...

It looks so good! I am in the process of growing mine out for locks of love, too! Cora's memory will be my motivation! :)

August 30, 2010 at 4:13 PM  
Blogger LibraryGirl62 said...

My 17 year old daughter is rowing her hair to donate too~You are awesome and someone will be so pleased to have your awesomeness in their lives :)

August 30, 2010 at 4:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love the new styles :) My daughter did this in honor of your Cora in May of 2008...She was so excited when she received her letter from locks of love after donating. Your Cora has really touched our lives.


Kim

August 30, 2010 at 4:30 PM  
Blogger Leah-in-the-Kia said...

You both look beautiful! what a lovely thing to do in memory of Cora Paige, brings a tear to my eye

PS;my daughters middle name is Paige as well!

August 30, 2010 at 4:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I meant May of 2009..

Kim

August 30, 2010 at 4:33 PM  
Blogger Micah said...

Such a sweet story and selfless act. You look adorable, as always!

August 30, 2010 at 4:52 PM  
Blogger meg duerksen said...

and here i just thought you were trying to cute!
i should have known.
:)

August 30, 2010 at 5:04 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

I can't imagine you not looking cute. No matter how long or short your hair is. You both look great! :)

August 30, 2010 at 5:16 PM  
Blogger Stef said...

this was awesome! I love that you did that. And, you both look fabulous!

August 30, 2010 at 5:24 PM  
Blogger Amanda said...

It looks fabulous on both of you! I donated mine to locks of love a few years ago and have never grown it back!

August 30, 2010 at 5:28 PM  
Blogger Kahla said...

I think you both look great! You constantly amaze me at your strength, I can't imagine what you have gone through. I followed you through Cora's journey and cried tears along side of you. This made me cry again. What a wonderful way to honor your sweet baby girl.

August 30, 2010 at 5:31 PM  
Blogger anne said...

You and your sister look absolutely stunning! I think part of the beauty comes from the heart behind it all.

August 30, 2010 at 5:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are both beautiful with long hair and with shorter hair - both inside and out. I admire you, Jess, for how you have come through such tremendous trials. Your story tells us that God is still very good and loving, even in the face of a tragedy. God bless you, Joel and Levi. (and Ann)

August 30, 2010 at 5:47 PM  
Blogger Mrs. H said...

Omgoodness...we mailed my daughters hair to Locks of Love today!

You both look beautiful! And how special to do it together in honor of your precious baby girl! Beautiful!

August 30, 2010 at 5:59 PM  
Blogger Rebecca Street said...

It looks just darling on you. And what a beautiful way to honor your daughter and help someone else who is going through something so difficult. Many blessings to you and your sweet family.

August 30, 2010 at 6:01 PM  
Blogger Whitney said...

I donated my hair 3 years ago and now I am just waiting on it to grow out again. I tell everyone that asks, I will donate my hair every time it gets long enough to do so. I am so proud of you and I be Miss Cora is too!

August 30, 2010 at 6:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sarah has had her hair cut several times for Locks of Love - she's probably only had 4 hair cuts of any consequence since 8th grade - each time making it possible for a special person to have red hair.

August 30, 2010 at 6:10 PM  
Blogger Erica said...

oh i love it! such a beautiful tribute to cora and you both look great!

August 30, 2010 at 6:21 PM  
Blogger Doug and Sarah said...

You and Anne both look so cute! I loved your long hiar, but I love your short hair too! What a great way to honor Cora and ease another little girl's pain. Double blessing times 2 for you and your sister!

August 30, 2010 at 6:32 PM  
Blogger Expressions Photography said...

You both look beautiful!

August 30, 2010 at 6:40 PM  
Blogger Marla Taviano said...

You both look beyond gorgeous. What a precious gift!

August 30, 2010 at 6:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love it - my sister has grown hers out & cut it three times already! Our local hairdresser makes two ponytails and then they don't have to cut as much length.

August 30, 2010 at 7:33 PM  
Blogger Lindsay said...

What a wonderful story, and you girls look fabulous! What a gift!

August 30, 2010 at 7:44 PM  
Blogger Walquist said...

you both look so cute! LOVE the new haircuts!

August 30, 2010 at 7:51 PM  
Blogger Tricia said...

How wonderful that you and your sister were able to do this together. You both look so great! My oldest daughter donated her hair to locks of love when she was 7. It was really special for her, and she is thinking of doing it again.

With love and prayers,
XO*Tricia

August 30, 2010 at 7:52 PM  
Blogger Shalady said...

Just beautiful! What an amazing journey for your sister to share with you! Thank you for blessing others!

August 30, 2010 at 7:54 PM  
Anonymous Robin in Benton said...

You both look fabulous! What a wonderful thing to do in memory of sweet Cora

August 30, 2010 at 8:08 PM  
Blogger Candice said...

You are awesome. What an amazing donation! It looks great.

My hair grows really fast, so I donate it every few years. This last time was to Pantene Beautiful Lengths...a full foot of hair!

http://wolfsonsafari.blogspot.com/2009/12/making-cut.html

Next time it will be to Locks of Love.

August 30, 2010 at 8:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Both of you look great with your new short do's! I cut about 13 inches off 2 years ago and took me awhile to get used to it but it was easier to manage than my waist length hair. I had planned on donating again but my hair wasn't long enough and now I just permed it and you can't donate any hair that has been dyed or any chemicals like that put into them, which sucks.

You will grow to love your new hair, especially since its in honor of your precious baby girl!

August 30, 2010 at 8:14 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

I love this idea! So neat to share it with your sister! I enjoy reading your blog and admire your strength and faith!

August 30, 2010 at 8:16 PM  
Blogger Toni :O) said...

You guys look GREAT! I love that you did this...what an awesome tribute to a little girl...I know those families will be so grateful for what you both did. Both of my nieces have done this and I've always been so proud of them. Good for you both!

August 30, 2010 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Beautiful!! What a wonderful way to honor Cora!

August 30, 2010 at 8:36 PM  
Blogger Meg said...

You both look so youthful with your cute new haircuts!

August 30, 2010 at 8:39 PM  
Blogger Chad and Jody said...

You look great, Jess! What a blessing to such another human being.

After I wrote the above statement, I started to move the cursor down to the "word verification" and there was Cora's name(and some other random letters)for me to verify this is legit. cute. It caught me off guard. She comes up in unexpected places.

August 30, 2010 at 8:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love this post. Love your new hair.. I think it looks great!

August 30, 2010 at 9:02 PM  
Blogger Lindsay said...

You both look gorgeous. Thanks for sharing that story with us.

August 30, 2010 at 9:08 PM  
Anonymous Melanie Martini said...

Beautiful....absolutely beautiful!

August 30, 2010 at 9:10 PM  
Blogger Staci said...

I have been a follower of your blog since the time Cora was first diagnosed. Your words and actions are so inspiring and have touched my life. We have spent a lot of time talking about ways to help others in situations that are less fortunate. My 5 year old daughter Mia Kate donated 11 inches of her hair to Locks of Love this summer. Mia Kate also shares Coras birthday, March 5th. I just wanted to share and mention that your hair looks great and what a wonderful gift you have given someone!

August 30, 2010 at 9:39 PM  
Blogger Todd and Courtney said...

You girls look AWESOME

August 30, 2010 at 9:39 PM  
Blogger gertsbride said...

I'm in the process of growing mine out now and am so excited at the thought of sharing something small with a beautiful child who needs a little something special during a difficult time in life!

August 30, 2010 at 9:40 PM  
Blogger Our Little Family said...

I think thats an awesome thing you did! You and your sister are amazing and both of your new styles look great! My oldest daughter, who is now 6, donated her hair to locks of love after her little sister was in the childrens hospital for an extended period of time. It hurt her feelings for the little girls that had no hair so she decided at the age of 3 she was going to grow her hair so she could share her hair with them. And she did. It wasnt always easy to up keep but it was so worth it. The day she donated it she was so excited and couldnt wait for the little girls to get her ponytail so they could have hair too! Before we even left from getting her hair cut she had already decided she was ready to start growing it out again. Thats an awesome thing you and your sister were able to do together in the honor of your sweet Cora! Those other families thank you even tho you dont know them!

August 30, 2010 at 9:55 PM  
Blogger onlymehere said...

My daughter did this when she was a teenager too. I'd never heard of it before that. What a beautiful gift of love you've just given to someone. It's just icing on the cake that you both look cute in your new haircuts! I'm sure Cora was smiling down on you the day you did it and loving her mommy even more for her unselfishness.
Cindy

August 30, 2010 at 9:56 PM  
Blogger Hayley said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your hair (and your sisters)!!!

August 30, 2010 at 10:21 PM  
Blogger Mum2twopreciousgifts said...

You both look absolutely gorgeous.

August 30, 2010 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Kirsten Anderson-Delaney said...

You both look gorgeous! I cut my hair for looks of love a few years back so I know how scary it is. Reading through this I had to choke back the tears for Cora. I can't imagine how much emotion you must feel.

Cora and Levi are truly blessed to have such a loving mommy.

God Bless.

August 30, 2010 at 10:25 PM  
Anonymous AshleyAnn said...

It looks great!!! My roomie in college had super long curly hair she grew out for Locks of Love. After it was cut there was about a 12 inch long curly ponytail sitting on her dresser in our room. It sat there for a month before I finally put it in a zip lock bag and mailed it off myself! Such a great organization!

August 30, 2010 at 11:10 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

GORGEOUS!!!

Have to admit I shed a little tear...God bless you.

August 30, 2010 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger Miriam said...

what a wonderful way to honor Cora!

One small nit - it's "lose" not "loose"...a

August 31, 2010 at 12:03 AM  
Blogger oh, the places you'll go... said...

Jess! I love your and Anne's hair!! I am so glad you blogged about it because I was telling Anne how badly I wanted to see pictures. You both look BEAUTIFUL and the significance behind why you did it is really touching and special. I miss you already! :) I'll go have some yummy French pastries in your honor now. YUM.

August 31, 2010 at 1:24 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

How cute you and your sister look! And what a fantastic way to honor your sweet baby girl. I am sure she is looking over her mommy and auntie, very proud!

August 31, 2010 at 2:07 AM  
Blogger Sue said...

What a brilliant idea!!! I wish they did something like that here...

August 31, 2010 at 4:14 AM  
Anonymous Jane said...

What a wonderful way to honor Cora's memory. I am sure that you made someone else happy by donating your hair. But you both look great by the way.

August 31, 2010 at 4:36 AM  
Blogger Nancy said...

Bless you!!! You both look amazing & what a great gift you will give someone! I'm amazed!

August 31, 2010 at 5:54 AM  
Blogger The Mumaw's said...

You both look awesome!!! Love it!!!
Such a great cause:)

August 31, 2010 at 6:04 AM  
Blogger Melinda said...

You both look beautiful! And what a beautiful way to honor Cora's memory.

August 31, 2010 at 6:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You both look beautiful! Jess - you are an awesome Mom!!

August 31, 2010 at 6:40 AM  
Blogger jonahbonah said...

my sister in law is growing her hair out right now for locks of love.
you have inspired me to do the same! i'm already half way there...and my hair grows pretty fast.
thanks!!!!

August 31, 2010 at 8:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you both look so pretty. such a nice thing to do. xo

August 31, 2010 at 8:48 AM  
Blogger Amber D said...

I'm gearing up for my 4th donation this winter. My first donation was about 9 months before Mark was diagnosed with Cancer and I've donated twice since then. So far I've donated 16, 12, and 10 inches I'm hoping for more in the 12 range.

August 31, 2010 at 8:59 AM  
Anonymous Sarah said...

You both look great!! This hairstyle looks amazing on you!!

August 31, 2010 at 8:59 AM  
Blogger vera said...

I'm doing this! In honor of Cora! Starting right now! I think I need about 2-3 more inches.

August 31, 2010 at 9:02 AM  
Blogger The Potters said...

This brought tears to my heart and soul! You are so amazing and we will never forget Cora!

August 31, 2010 at 9:31 AM  
Anonymous Ceri said...

I donated for the first time in may. I had just not got around to getting a hair cut then it was pretty long, and then I decided I would tough it out (it was HARD) to get it long enough to donate. It was the BEST hair cut I ever have had! I am now torn between growing it out again, and going back for that same cut. I got my hair cut for mothers day. If I can do it again, I will aim for the same month and donate in your and Cora's honor. (PS your hair looks FAB!)

August 31, 2010 at 9:57 AM  
Blogger Rach said...

What a lovely things to do. Your new look is beautiful!

August 31, 2010 at 10:08 AM  
Anonymous Bec said...

When my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer, I did the same thing. I went into hair shock. Not going to lie. My hair cutter person took 14 INCHES! The good news is it grew back. And somewhere, someone who needs it is wearing my hair :)

August 31, 2010 at 10:32 AM  
Blogger Marsha said...

What a wonderful way to honor Cora! You all look great!

Marsha

August 31, 2010 at 11:11 AM  
Blogger Aislinn said...

You look great, I did the same thing one year, donated about 2 feet!!

August 31, 2010 at 11:14 AM  
Blogger Beki - TheRustedChain said...

YAY!!!!

Jess, I'm so proud of you!

I've donated to Locks of Love 3 times and you're right, it's such an amazing feeling. Why do we get so much emotional attachment to our hair?

It's weird and scary, but what a gift. If (when?) I do it again, I'll definitely think of you and Cora and Anne.

You girls look gorgeous!

August 31, 2010 at 12:34 PM  
Blogger Lauren said...

This is so awesome and your hair looks gorgeous!!!! :)

August 31, 2010 at 12:38 PM  
Blogger Kristi said...

I love both of your new looks!! I have cut my hair twice--once for Locks of Love and once for Pantene's program (very similar). What a great way to honor Cora :).

August 31, 2010 at 3:10 PM  
Blogger Amber said...

YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!!! And so is your sister!!! What a wonderful thing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new hair-do! Awesome! God bless you!

August 31, 2010 at 4:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Our daughter has done that twice, and she's only 14! It's wonderful to be able to donate hair for locks of love. Her hair was so thick they put it in two ponytails for two wigs.

August 31, 2010 at 5:20 PM  
Blogger lauren haddox said...

jess, you are AMAZING and God is using your story in mighty ways! and just so you know, i saw on project runway last week that short cropped hair is totally "in" for the fall...so you are super stylin' girl!!! :)

August 31, 2010 at 6:54 PM  
Blogger Rich and Carolyn Dewey said...

LOVE the new look for you girls!!! Hey you just might decide to keep the new look!

One of the last things I did before we left California was to go with my 4 granddaughters there for their Locks of Love haircuts. I treated them to manicures. What a fun day for us and a lovely gift to others. I think it's a wonderful thing to do!

August 31, 2010 at 7:30 PM  
Anonymous PinkPeanutButter said...

You both look amazing in short hair!

August 31, 2010 at 8:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift to give to someone. The new do is adorable!

August 31, 2010 at 9:14 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

you look gorgeous. and your sister as well.

September 1, 2010 at 6:32 AM  
Blogger Elisa Seaba said...

Love this! you guys both look so cute in you new short cuts!

September 1, 2010 at 8:24 AM  
Anonymous Renee said...

wow cute cut!! this Christmas I'll be sending off my fourth ponytail!!

September 1, 2010 at 10:13 AM  
Blogger waiting said...

I love you both with your shorter hair! I think it's very flattering on both of you! What a wonderful gift!

September 1, 2010 at 10:32 AM  
Blogger Melissa Joy said...

I have the biggest tears in my eyes right now. :) Thank you for doing that, what a gift for someone!
You've inspired me... I have been growing my hair out, and perhaps I will donate my pony in a year or so as well. If so, I will link you when the time comes. :)

September 1, 2010 at 11:01 AM  
Anonymous patti said...

last year, my husband participated in St. Baldrick's. He raised, on his own, over $2000 for pediatric cancer research. He shaved his head in honor of his mom, Clara (she passed away from colon cancer in 2002, the year we were married) and also in honor of Cora - a sweet little girl we never knew.

September 1, 2010 at 11:04 AM  
Blogger Bridget said...

Your hair looks so great! I have been growing mine out for almost 3 years (yes, it's a slow grower) and am cutting it in a few weeks. I've been waiting to cut it b/c of an upcoming half-marathon I'm running in. I need to be able to pull it back. I will donate my hair in honor of Cora--didn't know you could do that!

Glad you had fun on your getaway!

September 1, 2010 at 11:51 AM  
Blogger Kristen said...

I think the shorter hair is a very flattering look for both you and your sister. It shows off your features and looks great!

September 1, 2010 at 8:34 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

Jess...I did this about a year ago! Man..it was hard, but so worth it! I wish I would have captured the moment as well as you did! GREAT PICS!!

Heather

September 4, 2010 at 2:20 PM  
Blogger Jaci said...

I don't think I've ever commented on your blog before, though I've been a faithful reader since your blog was brought to my attention around the time Cora got sick. Anyway, my 7.5-year-old daughter just got 10 inches cut off her hair today for Locks of Love. She's been growing it out for just over a year. A little girl (she's 5 now) in our church was diagnosed with leukemia (AML) 2 years ago and lost all her hair during her treatment. When my daughter saw that she felt sad and asked lots of questions about why her hair fell out. When we got to talking about it all and I explained that some kids get wigs to wear while their own hair has fallen out. She decided to grow her hair out. My little girl is blessed with VERY thick hair, so I told her that I'm pretty sure her 10 inches will go a long ways towards making a nice wig for a little girl who needs it. Love your new haircut and love that you gave your hair to such a great cause!

September 13, 2010 at 9:07 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Very sad. Locks of Love is a "for profit" business that sells about
98 percent of the hair donated to them to make money. Cancer patients don't need expensive wigs made from human hair because their hair will grow back. L-O-L has thousands of Better Business Bureau complaints against them. It's sad to see people who take the time to have beautiful hair and then chop it off. You didn't help anyone. If you want to help, donate to the cancer organizations
that provide non-human hair wigs (that DO look real) and other support to cancer patients. If you have beautiful hair, keep it, let your husband or boyfriend
enjoy it...it's a much greater reward.

February 21, 2011 at 8:29 AM  
Blogger Melissa Joy said...

Hi Jess... I just wanted you to know that I cut my hair yesterday in honor of your beautiful daughter and am mailing off my 12+ inch braid this week. Just wanted you to know that Cora continues to bless people and make a difference through her legacy.

http://joyfuldomesticity.com/?p=1302

July 26, 2011 at 10:37 AM  

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