Why Did this Manasquan Woman Shave Off Her Long Hair?

Would you be brave enough to shave your head to raise awareness, compassion, and money for children with cancer?

Many men and boys have stepped up to do so....some with a lot of hair, and some who already had some sort of buzz cut. For some of the boys in high school, it's pretty cool that they'd be willing to go to school with a shaved head and tell their peers why they did it.

But I found myself in tears the other day watching a friend of mine, Denise, who had hair all the way down her back, make the spur-of-the-moment decision to let a 13-year old girl with cancer (Daphne N. from Spring Lake) shave off Denise's long locks.

Denise says it's not about her, and it's not about how she looks on the outside, but what's in her heart as she prays for those with cancer and their uphill battles. What a great example she sets for us all.

Denise, and six others (men and even some high school boys) shaved their heads in front of all who came by First Baptist Church of Manasquan on South Street this past Sunday, taking in lots of donation dollars for Daphne and Pediatric Cancer.

As women, many of us are so attached to our hair. It's a security blanket; the one thing many of us think helps us look beautiful, and, especially as someone with long hair, I can't imagine what it would be like to go bald.

I will also say that a couple of years ago I offered to shave my head the day I found out my mother would lose her hair due to chemo and radiation. But my mom was horrified at the thought...because she was the one that had so lovingly brushed my long head of hair throughout my childhood and always enjoyed styling it. To this day, my mother makes me promise to never cut my hair...she literally 'pets' it every time she sees me.

So maybe that's part of my attachment...after what she went through, she wanted to enjoy my hair when she was left with none. But if you and your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, church family, etc. are feeling brave enough to shave for pediatric cancer, here's how you can do it.

Go to this St. Baldrick's site and it'll walk you through the steps. You can even say you are honoring Daphne, if you'd like to support this beautiful 13 year old.

To learn more about Daphne N., CLICK HERE. And HERE.