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Locks of Love gives teen chance to be herself

Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:12 AM by Jen Brown
Filed Under:

(From Samantha Vallejera)

Samantha Vallejera joined us this morning to share her experience of living with alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair, and how Locks of Love has changed her life.  Here, Samantha, 15, speaks in her own words...

When I first lost my hair 6 years ago, other kids would tease or bully me because I was different and it really hurt me.  I think that when we were little, kids judged people by their appearances. We don't realize that even though my appearance is different, I was still the same person I always was. I lost my confidence and self esteem. When I got my hair prosthesis from Locks of Love, it really changed my feelings and I was able to regain my confidence and self esteem. Now that I am in high school, I don't want what happened to me in the elementary school. I am older now and know that I'm the same person. I would like to be judged for who I am. I am very grateful and thankful to Locks of Love for their awesome services rendered to teenagers like me.

When we first got the call from Madonna, the president of Locks of Love,  for me to be on The Today Show, I was really excited. I was just thinking "Oh my god! I'm going to be on TV!" My experience at the NBC studio was a once in a lifetime, memorable experience. In the beginning I really didn't know what to expect. I was just so excited and anxious about what I was going to say and do. But once we started taping, I relaxed and I felt more confident. And now I really can't wait for Thursday, when I'll be on live television. That's another experience I'm really looking forward to. I just want to go through with it. I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I'll never be able to have again, a chance to show people who I am and gain confidence despite my condition.

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Comments

Representatives on the show said gray hair is unusable. What about colored gray hair?

Amy, Estero, FL (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:50 AM)

I was disappointed to hear the Locks of Love representative say that "damaged" hair is unacceptable. I have recently been making plans to send my own "older" hair and the website states that this hair IS acceptable, but will be sold to other venues to raise money.

Maureen (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:51 AM)

Locks of Love is great. I'd just like to know if Crystal, the girl who surprised her brother by coming there to cut his hair also donated some of hers as I noticed it was very long. I'd love to see some of the men & woman after they dontated their hair & had it professionally styled.

Kathy Lambert, Princeton, wV (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:56 AM)

Madonna Coffman's hometown of Lebanon, Kentucky will be honoring her for her achievements with Locks of Love during the 38th annual Country Ham Days September 29 & 30. Madonna will be the grand marshall for the PIGasus Parade and we will be cutting hair from the main stage to donate to Locks of Love. The 2007 theme for Country Ham Days is appropriately designated "PIG TALES" We anticipate 38 donors for Locks of Love. Come visit 'the town that cut their hair' at Marion County Country Ham Days.Ann Curry, come help cut hair with us!

Monica Pickerill; Lebanon, Kentucky (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:59 AM)

My family and I wanted to write in and tell you how much today's show meant to us. We are having a Locks of Love motorcycle run on July 14th, 2007, and it is also to celebrate my Mom's 50th Birthday, and she is also cutting her hair off as well. In August of 2005 I went in to have my hair cut for Locks of Love and that was a special day for me. Knowing that I had helped a young child or teenager to give them some pride back meant alot to me. I have a 4 year old daughter that is also going to be cutting her hair for this event and she is so excited about doing something for a little kid. The event will be held at The Nickel Plate Depot in Brocton New York. The address is 131 Central Ave. Brocton, NY 14716. If you have any question or comments you can also call (716)792-7969, or (716)969-4348, and ask for Linda Buffalino the owner and operator of The Nickel Plate Depot.

Lynn M Tellef Brocton, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:08 AM)

Not knowing that it is the 40th anniversary for Locks of Love, I made an appointment yesterday for my daughter to have her haircut this Saturday to donate to LOL. I am very proud of her for doing this and even more so after watching the show today. I just need to know "Where can I get her one of the Locks of Love t-shirts people were wearing on the show?"

JoAnn Stevens, Mattawan, Michigan (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:12 AM)

I have the same question as Kathy Lambert. Crystal came to the show to cut her cousin's hair for Locks of Love in memory of Crystal's brother. Crystal's hair was very long and I'm wondering if she is willing to do the same since she has a lot more than she needs. By the way, generous cousin looked even hotter after he cut his long curly locks for Love! =)

Brenda Iqbal, Millville, NJ (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:15 AM)

I've just sent an email to the American Cancer Society about where I can donate my BEAUTIFUL long GRAY hair to ADULTS who are cancer survivors. I understand that LOL is for kids, but there are adults out there, too who had GRAY hair before cancer. Let's don't leave them out! The adults I know who have survived cancer "could" have had a real hair wig that was BEAUTIFUL and GRAY, too. I'll even coordinate THE National Event. Someone else got ideas? Someone else want to donate their natural, beautiful, long GRAY hair? We could start our own donations . . . if we can find someone who'd want our . . . BEAUTIFUL, NATURAL GRAY hair!

Robin Roberts, Stone Mountain, GA (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:17 AM)

I had 12 inches of my hair cut last Friday for Locks of Love. My sister in law passed away 4 days before after losing her battle with Ovarian Cancer. This is my tribute to all who suffer from hair loss. If this will help better a childs life it is the least I can do. Bravo to all who donate their hair!

Phyllis Warren, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:20 AM)

Thank you for sharing Samantha's story! My 8-yr-old daughter donated 11.5" of her hair last fall and is growing her hair to donate a second time. We were both so moved to see the difference this REALLY makes to another person. It definitely made the giving more real to her and probably lots of other viewers as well.

Linda Hickerson, Greenville OH (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:29 AM)

My daughter Megan has donated her beautiful hair to Locks for Love three times so far. She is 12 and had her hair cut the first time when she was 8. Her hair measured 17 inches. She's had it cut twice again for Locks for Love, each time it's been close to 15 inches. Megan was adopted from Korea when she was 3 1/2 months old and has beautiful thick black straight Asian hair. She considers it a privilege to do this even though she has never had a friend who lost her hair from Cancer, but she had an aunt who did.

Mary Harrington, Fayetteville, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:30 AM)

This show couldn't of come at a better time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I'm on my 5th week of chemo...and this has been the worst week of all...no matter how much I prepared for the side effect of losing my hair it happened...my husband says it will grow back, I know that but this has been the worst fear of my entire life. Seeing all these individuals lined up to give their hair for others helped ease my pain and brought a comforting feeling overme. I look forward to the day that I too can join these individuals. God Bless

Margie Olivarez Lubbock, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:48 AM)

What a wonderful organization however, I was disappointed that there is no use for gray hair. While I am sure the "kids" are not interested in this color, I cant believe that there isn't a sister group that wouldn't love to have donations of beautiful gray hair. We all know "Cancer" isn't selective and hits any age group. I do hope that it will be posted if there is an orgaiztion that will accept gray hair, as I would love to donate and my hairdresser thought Locks of Love made wigs for all ages....

Mary, Lexington, KY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:52 AM)

I have long hair with gray throughout, where can I donate it to benefits adults?

Lizie (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 9:58 AM)

I would like to know how I would go about donating hair to Locks of Love year. My thirteen year old daughter and I have been growing our hair so that we could donate it, but I don't know how to go about doing it.

Lacresia Crosby, Tupelo, MS (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:02 AM)

Hi my name is Kelly Juergens, and I am so touched once again by the people with kindness for others. it does bring tears to me because my daughter, Hannah gave her own hair to Locks Of Love twice. Hannah gave when she was about 10 years old and then again last year at 15 when she was prononced brain dead from a terrible Memorial day accident which her sister Alex happened to be driving in. Hannah gave all she could in life and death. Hannah donated all of her organs including connective tissue, bone skin everything but her lungs were not okay to harvest. The hair was her beauty trade mark along with her smile! Thanks for such a public awareness show!!!!!

Kelly Juergens, 2612 Wynncrest Ridge Dr. Wildwood, Mo 63005 (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:04 AM)

My five year old daughter, has been wanting to cut her hair for weeks, but I put it off until she finished school, (yesterday). We cut 11 inches and sent the ponytail to Locks of Love and had no idea the Today Show was doing this story. This just vaidates my feelings even more about this great cause that helps so many other children.

Heidi Savant, Kinder, Louisiana (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:13 AM)

Hello, my name Is Norma Catala I am 34 years old and I suffer from alopecia areata,I lost all my hair recently and I am trying to deal with all the changes that comes with Alopecia. The hard part of it all is trying to explain to my 4 year old daughter why mommy does not have her long curly hair. I lost my confidence and self esteem. But I am trying to rebuild my life with Alopecia.

Norma Catala, Queens, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:14 AM)

You also need to tell your viewers that even when your loved one dies they can donate their hair;they won't need it were they are going!

Kelly Juergens, 2612 Wynncrest Ridge Dr. Wildwood, Mo 63005 (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:19 AM)

I was disappointed that nothing was said about gray hair donations being sold to help fund Locks of Love. My brown with lots of gray, healthy, strong, un-dyed hair isn't long enough yet but I'm growing it for Locks of Love.

Angela Hudson, Big Spring, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:19 AM)

I have a hair salon in Parkville, Maryland (Diamonds In The Rough) 410-882-0002 and am opening every Monday in June to give free haircuts to people who want to donate their hair to Locks of Love. If people want to donate money through the month of June...that would be wonderful!!

Lori Cyr (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:32 AM)

I was on my way out the door for work this morning when I saw that LOL was going to be on. I called my daughter so hopefully she got to watch. She is getting ready to cut 12 inches off and I was hoping I could find some more information for Locks of Love on this site. Someone said that they had on T-shirts also, how can we find out about those also?

Brenda Carter, Quinton, Virginia (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:45 AM)

If you are interested in donating hair for ADULTS with cancer, check out www.beautifullengths.com run by Pantene. They were featured on the TODAY Show last summer. Might be a good alternative to those who are unable to donate to LOL.

Christina, Ft. Lauderdale (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:49 AM)

My Daughter Aliyah and her Friend Grace have appointments next week to donate to LOL a few weeks ago. They both have appointments next week. They are 9 and both have decided to donate on their own. My question is where can I get one of those cute shirts I see all the donors wearing ? I think that would be a nice gift to give the girls for their generous gift! Please e-mail me with the details. Thank You, for airing this show it reinforces their decision.

Kimarie Funschelle, Wichita, Kansas (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:52 AM)

i'm a 30 yr old women whom lived a tom-boyish life. short hair was my life and i could never let it get long to stand it.i have long hair that i grew for my daddy whom last seen me with long hair when i was 6 or 7 yrs.old and i also grew it for a good friend that past away in August of 2006,now i don't want to get rid of the hair but i can't stand it anymore and it would be a waste for me to just get it cut after all the work and time it took to grow this long that i would like to give to the lock of love.i want someone to enjoy my hair as i did when i grew it out.please help me find a place that does that.thank you so much.

diana,leesburg,florida (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:57 AM)

How do I get information on where to send hair to locks of love. I really love this program.

Ramona, Grandview, Idaho (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:58 AM)

I also have "naturally" frosted hair, and have thought for some time that I would love to cut it off for adults who could make use of it. It mentioned on the website that gray is OK. Where would we be able to send our donations?

Marnie, Mount Joy, PA (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:08 AM)

I was just wondering if the Locks of Love t-shirts people were wearing on the show were available for sale. I donate my hair every couple of years and would like to have another opportunity to let people know about this great organization.

Shannon, Caldwell, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:08 AM)

I was in an abusive relationship and told that I could never cut my hair. I kept growing it and pulling it back in a ponytail. I would "sneak" a haircut and ask the hairdresser to make it look like I had no hair cut off. I was afraid because the last time I had a "noticeable" haircut, I got spit on, told I was ugly, and slapped by my partner. I have since gained the courage to leave that relationship and one of the first things I did was get my hair cut and donate it to Locks of Love. I was so grateful that I had the minimum requirement to donate! It has been a freeing experience, I will never be pulled by by hair again or have it ripped out of my head, and I SO want to help somebody who can use it. Also, I hope any other woman in my position finds the courage to do the same thing and finally feel safe and able to be herself, regardless of outward appearance. God bless, Alyce

Alyce Weber (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:11 AM)

How does one donate and where?I see someone locally posted a message needing,And I know someone that is wanting to donate his long hair,yet he does't know how to go about it!I'm sure there is more people that wants to help but lack the information on where,when and how.Someone," Help us HELP"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terry Borsch,Lubbock,Texas (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:16 AM)

My daughter Melissa donated her hair a few years ago. It was a very emotional day for her. She was sad to lose her hair but happy knowing that a person who couldn't grow hair was getting it. LOL is a great organization and I was very proud of my daughter for doing this.

Cathy, South Amboy, NJ (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:21 AM)

Almost every hair salon is affiliated with Locks of Love. Call one in your area and find out. Most places will do your hair cut and style for free.

Sheila (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:22 AM)

A lot of people have expressed an interest in donating gray hair. It would be nice to have someone address whether this is possible. I know the texture of my hair has changed as I have aged, and it may not be possible to use it in a prosthesis at this point.

Robert, Bend OR (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:34 AM)

Dear Kelly Juergens, How kind of you to give to others -in your time of need. As a mother, I cannot even imagine what you have/are going through. As a nurse, it helps me to see that organ donation brings some peace to the families. God Bless You and Yor Family !!!!

La Von K. Wesley Chapel,FL (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:51 AM)

My duaghter Stacey Underwood grows her hair to the required length, has it cut for Locks of Love, grows it again and has it cut and donates it again. She has been doing this for several years. Stacey is hearing impaired and has CP. She knows the pain of being different and this is her way of helping other children. I am very proud to be her Mother.

Ruthene Crane Jacksonville Florida (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:59 AM)

Two years ago I began growing my hair for Locks of Love. My appointment for donation is scheduled for this Saturday & I am absolutely thrilled this article appeared on msnbc.com today! - Hearing other's enthusiasm for donating makes my appointment Saturday even more special!

Laura, Cleveland OH (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:45 PM)

Locks of Love has a website with guidelines and instructions with a form that can be printed off to donate your hair. The website is www.locksoflove.org. They will accept gray hair and sell it to raise money to fund the organization. Gray hair may also be donated through www.beautifullengths.com. I have donated my hair twice through Relay For Life and once through the website.

Raetta Winebrenner, Lander, Wyoming (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:47 PM)

My daughter has suffered with alopecia since she was 16 years old. She had long beautiful red hair and at different points has lost most of it. I have always wanted her to be able to get a human hair wig but have not been able to afford one. Her birthday is tomorrow. She will be 33. Is there some way to get hair that she can style, wash, and maybe even swim in?

Terry in Columbia, SC (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:53 PM)

My daughter grew her hair and then donated it to Locks of Love at age 13. She is now growing it out again to donate again. We would love to see what was done with her donated hair. Is there any way to do that?

Kim Wakefield, MI (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:00 PM)

As someone who has lived with alopecia areata for the last 25 years (I was diagnosed at age 4), I truly commend those who donate their hair to Locks of Love. My only request is that those adults who are insightful enough to overlook physical differences in young people to see the inner beauty within also pass this valuable lesson to their own children. From personal experience, I can tell you that children are the cruelest creatures alive; ostracism, bullying, and teasing were the norm for me growing up. I thank God every day that my family consistently reinforced that I was beautiful with or without hair and taught me to bypass the outside appearance of others and value them for what was within. I currently am bald over 40% of my head and am shaving off what's left this weekend. Samantha, even if your hair never grows back, remember this: You are not defined by your hair, how long it is, what color it is, or how healthy it is. You are a beautiful and unique person with or without hair, and that is all that matters!

YoKasta Martinez, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:01 PM)

As someone who has lived with alopecia areata for the last 25 years (I was diagnosed at age 4), I truly commend those who donate their hair to Locks of Love. My only request is that those adults who are insightful enough to overlook physical differences in young people to see the inner beauty within also pass this valuable lesson to their own children. From personal experience, I can tell you that children are the cruelest creatures alive; ostracism, bullying, and teasing were the norm for me growing up. I thank God every day that my family consistently reinforced that I was beautiful with or without hair and taught me to bypass the outside appearance of others and value them for what was within. I currently am bald over 40% of my head and am shaving off what's left this weekend. Samantha, even if your hair never grows back, remember this: You are not defined by your hair, how long it is, what color it is, or how healthy it is. You are a beautiful and unique person with or without hair, and that is all that matters!

YoKasta Martinez, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:09 PM)

If your hair doesn't meet the needs of 'Locks of Love' you might try 'Pantene's Beautiful Lengths'. I donated over ten inches of hair last year to this 'cousin' to 'Locks of Love'. My hairdresser cut my hair at no charge and she does the same for those donating to 'Locks of Love'. Both are great charities.

M Duke, Franklin, TN (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:26 PM)

I love that so many people are ready to help those in need. Thank-you for showing us some results from so many of those helping. In this day and age it so rare to see good happening. I hope this continues and I wish I could help.

Tina Vredevelt, Missoula, Montana (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:27 PM)

http://www.locksoflove.org/

Gia Thompson (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:31 PM)

This is a website that will assist in how to donate to locks of love. It's pretty easy; I donated 14 inches a few years ago. http://www.locksoflove.org/faq.html#top

Heather, Upstate NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:42 PM)

My daughter cut 15 inches of her hair off in honor of her grandmother, who was rediagnosed with breast cancer after 12 years cancer free. She wanted to support her grandmother, knowing she would be losing her hair again to chemo. I am very proud of her. Anytime anyone asked, she told them the story. How unselfish of a 15 year old girl.

Janet Wyant, Sgt Bluff, IA (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:54 PM)

I have been growing my hair out for locksoflove since Ann Curry donated her hair. I think it is wonderful. I would like to have a t-shirt as well. Thank you guys for doing this again. Does anyone in Spokane know of any places that cuts hair for locksoflove? If so, please let me know. Thank you.

Charlotte Senn. Spokane, Wash. (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 2:01 PM)

Anyone knows how to get to a participation salon in NYC area. My daughter has decided to donate her hair after finding out about LOL

Libby, New York City, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 2:07 PM)

I would like to contribute my hair to Locks of Love and would like to know of a Manhattan salons that will cut my hair free. Louis Licari, had a booth at the show with address and phone number cuts only at their regular prices.

Lois Ostuw, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 2:14 PM)

Our thirty three year old daughter who has Ausburgers Autisim just donated 28 inches of hair to Locks of Love last week.She has an abnormal amount of hair, enough for 2 people, and extremely thick as well.She couldn't understand why all the hype at the local Salon for a small donation to help others less fortunate.Needless to say,she was our Queen for the Day!!All she cared about was helping,spare the party mode,as she said.God bless her and others just like her!! God takes care of His own.

Catherine Berentson,Mankato,Minnesota (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 2:15 PM)



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