DYERSBURG, Tenn. (AP) – For 15-year-old James Dean Johnson II, leaving his hair long is not a sign of rebellion or laziness but rather it is a sign of a kid with a heart bigger than most.
As a small child, James heard his mother talk about Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that specializes in creating wigs for financially disadvantaged children under the age of 21. The organization’s mission is to provide those children, who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss, with high-quality hair prosthetics in order to return their self-confidence and normalcy.
James decided at a young age that he wanted to help by donating his own hair.
“I just thought if I had cancer, how would I feel if I didn’t get the help I needed,” he said.
According to the Locks of Love website, most wigs sold by retailers are built to fit adult heads. Locks of Love provides custom-made wigs, adapted to fit each child specifically, through donated ponytails. The wigs return freedom to kids who may feel insecure about losing their hair. The custom-made pieces allow them to swim and do any kind of sport or activity while wearing it.
James’ family is no stranger to family members losing hair due to a medical illness. James’ mother, Suzanne Johnson, recounted how her mother battled lymphoma and her grandmother fought lung cancer before both eventually succumbed to their illnesses. Suzanne says that she cannot bear the thought that children are charged for their wigs (Locks of Love provides wigs for free or on a sliding scale, based on financial need).
“As long as we’re doing the right thing, I feel good about it,” said Suzanne, who hopes more people will be encouraged by her son’s story and will choose to donate their hair as well.
It takes James nearly two years to grow his hair out to the required 10 inches in length needed so that it can be used for a wig. It makes for a couple of hot summers with his long hair. It also subjects him to some taunting from other kids who just don’t understand why he feels so strongly about growing out his hair and donating it to Locks of Love.
Although he is frustrated by the occasional ridicule and even gave up once, James has decided that it is the right thing to do and as soon as he cuts his hair this summer, he will begin the process of growing it out again.
“Donating your hair is not a bad thing,” he said. “Imagine if you had cancer, wouldn’t you want someone to donate hair for you?”
