NBC26 Cares: Locks of Love

By Stacy Engebretson

CREATED Dec. 19, 2012

  • Print

  • A 4-year-old Seymour girl cuts off 14 inches of hair for Locks of Love which makes hair pieces for cancer patients. Video by nbc26.com

    video

This is the time of year when most kids are thinking about the gifts Santa will bring. But for a four-year-old in Seymour, she's more concerned about giving back. Her Christmas wish is to put a smile on the faces of sick children.

Hailey Tesch is about to turn five and has never had a haircut until now. She's chopping off her long, blonde locks all for a good cause. 

"She's been in that spot as a sick kid and she wants to give back," said Hailey's mother, Michelle Tesch. "I think it's amazing." 

Hailey had surgery for hip dysplasia and spent seven weeks in a body cast. When she returns to Shriner's Hospital in Minnesota for her annual check-ups, she brings donated toys to the children. But Hailey wants to do more to help.
 
Her mother said, "I have a cousin. His name is Brian, and he actually was 19 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had quite the battle, and he died two years ago at the age of 21. It was hard, especially someone so young. Very hard on the family." 
 
Touched by cancer, Hailey decided to donate her hair to Locks of Love. The non-profit organization provides hair pieces for financially disadvantaged children who are suffering from long-term hair loss due to a medical condition. Salon 325 in Ashwaubenon is proud to participate in the program.
 
"Something like with hair, it's something that's like a security blanket for some people especially females. It's something that we can help them with to feel prettier and better about themselves," said Jessica Thompson, a hair stylist at Salon 325.
 
Several Salon 325 hair stylists have watched their own family members battle the deadly disease, so they're grateful for Hailey's donation.
 
"It's just great that we do have great people and a great community that will help out those in need," said Thompson. 
 
In the end, Hailey worked up the courage to cut off 14 inches of hair to help sick kids her age.
 
 "The first cut, I almost had tears but proud. It looks amazing and I'm so proud of her," said Hailey's mom. "Especially at such a young age. I think it's spectacular. Just a fantastic thing that she's doing." 
 
According to the salon, Hailey's hair donation will help restore cancer patients' confidence and self-esteem, so they can focus on winning their fight.