By Rosy Banks
Staff Writer
Donating 10 or more inches of their manes, Pepperdine students, faculty and staff gave “Locks of Love” to children with long-term medical hair loss.
Joining with Malibu Creek Salon, a total of 28 people from the Pepperdine community had their hair cut, styled and sent off on March 17 to be made into specialized wigs for chemotherapy and other medical patients.
Student Advisor Tara Emerson and American Humanics agent Megan Marotta coordinated the event, rallying volunteers from Pengilly and Morgan residence halls to be either Bothers (those who cut their hair) or Wigglies (those who wore wigs to earn cash for the cause).
“Hair grows back, and now there’s a little girl who will have a haircut because people made it possible for these wigs to be made,” student volunteer Heather Menning said.
Emerson sparked the dream of “Locks of Love” at Pepperdine last summer when two of her friends gave up their hair, but she did not have enough to dedicate to the cause. So she waited, grew out her mane, and as an SA of Pengilly had a vision of recruiting 10 other residents to donate their hair.
Soon the 10 volunteers turned to 15, which then turned to 20, and Monday, 28 girls had decided to cut their hair for the cause.
Wigs made by Locks of Love are vacuum-fitted for patients, allowing them to swim, play, and do everyday physical activities other children enjoy without feeling any different than those with natural hair.
“Kids can have their childhood back, being able to participate like any other child without standing out,” Emerson said.
More than $700 in donations were also raised and American Humanics provided funds for T-shirts and materials to support the service program.
“It is so rewarding to see all these girls sacrifice,” Emerson said. “I had a wild, crazy dream but I saw the whole school come together to be selfless and give up a piece of who they are for the betterment of those who need it.”
A cancer survivor can attest to the need of this program along with others that raise funds and awareness. Diagnosed with a cancer known as Neuroblastoma at 11 months of age, Associate Dean of Housing and Community Living Stacy Rothberg, is currently in remission.
“So many people you’d never guess have struggled with this. Now people are more aware that there are those struggling, this gives a way for people to know about cancer and know they can reach out and help,” Rothberg said.
The Locks of Love program has grown past expectations this year and Emerson plans to let the tradition live on, though next year it may be a different dorm, with new hair for other awaiting patients.
March 20, 2003
