Leigh Carr donates a lock of hair Aug. 14 at the main post beauty salon on Yongsan Garrison. Leigh wanted to donate her hair in August to ensure a child can recieve a hair piece in time for the school year. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Samuel Northrup, USAG -Y public affairs)
YONGSAN GARRISON — September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. During this time many people try to help children suffering from this disease. Efforts include 5K run fundraisers and blood drives.
A Yongsan youth decided to help other children through a very personal gift, just in time for the new school year.
“I wanted to donate my hair to kids with cancer so they could feel more confident about themselves as they start school,” said Leigh Carr, age 11, who donated about 10 inches of her hair, Aug. 14, at the main post beauty salon on Yongsan Garrison. “I feel good that I am helping someone else.”
Leigh, who is going to attend the Yongsan Middle School this year, decided to donate her hair when one of her father’s co-workers asked her if she ever thought about donating. That peaked her curiosity. She began researching online and found an organization called Locks of Love that accepts hair donations.
“It made me very proud that she wanted to do something like this,” said Casey Carr, Leigh's father and a reserve affairs officer with United States Forces Korea. “She has an understanding that every little bit will help, that this action will have a ripple effect that will help some else down the road.”
When her hair grows longer, Leigh plans to donate again. She smiled as she said, “one person can make a huge difference.”
To learn more about this organization, visit www.locksoflove.org.
