Students, teachers donate their hair

As cancer has affected so many lives, organizations and individuals have done their part to combat the daunting disease. Some have gone to greater lengths than others. Beautiful Lengths, for example, a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Pantene, is one program through which people have gone so far as to give a piece of themselves to help those battling cancer. Scott City students and teachers have given selflessly.

As the Southeast Missourian's Katie Lamb recently reported, since 2006 Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society's wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country. Hair loss is one aspect of the illness that adds to the challenge that cancer patients face. The Scott City School District is doing its part to make the challenge a little less difficult. In an assembly on May 18, the public gathered in the high school gym as participants had at least 8 inches of hair cut to donate. When the school first began this effort in 2008, seven people participated. Just seven years later, 23 took part, even students as young as eighth grade.

One eighth-grader, Kaileigh Dirden, said, "I feel really good helping kids with cancer. So I don't care if I have short hair. I just want to help those kids and people out."

Quite often, we hear that today's youth are so consumed with self that they show little concern for the hardships of others. The acts of sacrifice we see in Scott City belie that assertion. And clearly, their teachers have been a positive influence.

"I just keep spreading the word," said middle school teacher and event organizer Sara Bradshaw. Bradshaw does not just talk the talk. She donates her own hair every two years.

Speaking of walking the walk, June 13 is the 15th annual Relay for Life of Cape Girardeau County. Held at Arena Park, cancer survivors, caregivers and friends "relay" for the cause of bringing awareness to cancer and offering support. It is yet another way to become involved in something greater than self.

Whether through donating hair, walking, or some other method, we commend those who care enough to go to great lengths to make a difference.