The clippers buzzed to life, their hum oddly calming amid the excited chatter around me. My heart thumped, not with fear, but with a strange mixture of pride and anticipation. Today wasn’t just about losing my hair—it was about standing in solidarity with children who face something far greater: cancer.
It all began a few months ago when my school announced its partnership with Leucan, the organization that supports children with cancer and their families. They were hosting a head-shaving challenge—an opportunity for students, staff, and community members to raise funds and show support in a bold, visual way. At first, I hesitated. I had long, thick hair I’d always been proud of. But the more I learned about what Leucan does—offering emotional, financial, and medical support to children in treatment—the more I realized: hair grows back. Courage, for many kids, isn’t a choice. It’s a daily reality.
So, I signed up.
I spent the weeks leading up to the event raising donations. I was blown away by how generous people were—friends, family, even strangers. Every dollar pledged felt like another small light in what can often be a dark time for those facing cancer.
Then came the big day.
The event was full of energy. There were cheers, music, and face painting—I got a ladybug on my cheek, the Leucan symbol. When it was finally my turn to sit in the chair, my stomach fluttered. But as the first lock of hair fell, I felt surprisingly light. Each pass of the clippers took away more hair but added something else: strength.
I looked up and caught my reflection in the mirror—buzzed head, bright eyes, smiling face. And in that moment, I felt powerful.
Afterwards, so many people came up to me. Some thanked me. Some hugged me. One woman whispered that her daughter was a Leucan child, and that what I did meant the world to families like hers.
I’ll never forget that.
The Leucan head shave wasn’t just a haircut. It was a declaration—that no child fights alone, that compassion can be louder than fear, and that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply show up, as you are, and say: I’m with you.
Hair grows back. But the impact of that day—and the reasons behind it—stay with me forever.