This is me about to chop off my hair to make a wig for a cancer patient. The patient was me. I look far more brave than I felt.
Same thing 14 years later…….this time donating the hair—to make a wig for someone else.
I felt way different this time. I felt…light.
Probably because I was part of an event called “Light”…held as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Other women with breast cancer never fail to inspire me with their spirit.
45 of them were treated to an afternoon of fun, food and pampering at Oya Salon in Monterey.
Hair…….Massages…..makeup……getting them primped and pretty to model in the nighttime fashion show that was also part of “Light”.
My part just involved sitting back—and not looking back………
…..where you can see Oya’s owner Brian Bode, one of the founders of this fabulous annual event. Not only is he generous and talented, I LOVE his sense of humor!
And I love the results!
Looking around at the beautiful salon and the beautiful brave women…. To do this here— on day one of Breast Cancer Awareness Month— feels so RIGHT….and I feel so “Light”….
….I’m already thinking about growing my hair out to do it again.
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios says
Your hair is beautiful, before and after. What a gift.
I’ve gone from very long to very short hair a few times in my life. I wish I’d known I could save my red curls for someone else.
Maureen@IslandRoar says
Awesome!
And your hair looks amazing.
Ruthie says
your new haircut is great – you look wonderful. what a fabulous endeavor.
Darryle Pollack says
Thank you! I only wish I had thought of doing this years ago, I could have done it several times by now. Maybe this is day one of starting to grow it for my second time around.
Susan @ 2KoP says
You look absolutely beautiful — inside and out. I last donated my hair for my twins b’nai mitzvah. My middle son is becoming a bar mitzvah in November, but I don’t think I’m quite long enough to donate yet — maybe for the youngest boy’s bar mitzvah in April 2011. Mazel tov!
Darryle Pollack says
So sweet of you, Susan–keep growing and keep those mitzvahs coming—-Mazel tov to you!
Darryle Pollack says
Forgot to mention that my daughter Alli donated her hair last winter —here’s a link to that post: http://blog.darrylepollack.com/2009/01/the-kindest-cut/
Stimey says
Your hair looks fabulous in its new short cut. What a great event!
I donated my hair a couple years ago. I should think about doing it again.
Mona Eisenberg says
How wonderful! When I lost my hair I bought a wig to cover up my bald head. You are inspirational to all women going through breast cancer or not. You stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. Women helping other women are the BEST Women in the world. TO Susan who gives selfishly of her time and energy to this great cause…..YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!
Mona Eisenberg
Darryle Pollack says
Thank you SO much! I appreciate your thoughts—and all the emails I’m getting too—but want to say in all honesty cutting my hair off is easy; it’s the women going through cancer who are inspirational.
Stimey–definitely go for it again.
Mona—I covered up my bald head every minute—with a wig when I went out and with a scarf at home. I even slept with a cap on. NO ONE–and I mean not even my husband or children—ever saw me completely bald. I said I wasn’t brave. I could barely look myself.
http://blog.darrylepollack.com/2008/09/good-hair-days/
I hope you are recovered and doing well now .
Brenda Miles says
Every time I tune into your blog, I see that you are doing great things for humanity, and reading your blog is one of the best parts of my day. You are so selfless, always so giving, giving, giving to others. You are a mentor to us all, a model of how we should aspire to conduct ourselves. God bless you for all you do for others! By the way, your new haircut is, indeed, fabulous and so flattering to your beautiful and glowing face.
Brenda
Sasn Jose
Gail L. says
You’re an amazing woman and I love your new haircut….I know that someone will have a beautiful wig because of your donation.
Terra says
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was lucky not to need a wig, but, I thank you for all of the women who did it. You are amazing and you look beautiful.
Connie @ Young & Relentless says
Love the new hair cut and what a wonderful thing to do! You are beautiful!
Darryle Pollack says
You’re all so sweet and wildly over-complimentary. Seriously, although I have (had) a LOT of hair, it is such a small gesture in the scheme of things. To give it is amazingly satisfactory especially when I know so well how it feels to lose your hair. For me it’s provides a feeling of solidarity with the sisterhood of breast cancer survivors, and I truly feel blessed to be able to donate it. So many people have told me their daughters have done it; and my daughter did, too. I figure I might be the oldest person to ever do this!
Susan says
I’m sorry to have missed the event. Your family must be so proud of you for your continued advocacy for women, for women with cancer and for cancer survivors! You go girl!!