Locks of Love

Southeast Missourians are generous people and not only with their time and money.

Several times a year there are stories about local individuals -- many times children -- who cut their hair and donate it to Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

At a recent school assembly, Scott City science teacher Sara Bradshaw and eight students, girls ranging from first grade to high school, each gave at least 10 inches of their hair to the organization.

The hair donations were inspired by Bradshaw's student, Taylor Dudley, who was diagnosed at 10 years old with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the most severe level of the cancer of the white blood cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, this type of cancer will kill an estimated 20,000 people this year.

Thankfully, Taylor's cancer is now in remission and she is feeling great.

Ms. Bradshaw, the eight Scott City students and the many individuals who donate their hair for others should be commended. You are making a difference in the lives of the many children suffering with severe diseases.