Army soldier donates hair to Locks of Love

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Patrick Hyde
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  An Incirlik soldier donated her hair to Locks of Love, a non profit organization that helps children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments re-gain their self esteem and confidence. 

"I have always had long hair and I wanted to do something to help children who lost their hair due to chemo-therapy. I made up my mind to donate my hair to Locks of Love," said United States Army Staff Sgt. Diana Tuten, Incirlik Veterinary Services noncommissioned officer-in-charge. 

Use of the internet and word of mouth has increased publicity for the organization which began in 1998. Locks of Love has donated hair pieces to over 2,000 children since 2007. 

The donated hair is woven into handmade hair pieces made to look like a full head of hair. Each hair piece is a custom vacuum fitted design which allows the wearer to wear the piece without glue or tape. 

The handmade hair pieces are given to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 who suffer hair loss while undergoing cancer treatments or other medical treatments resulting in hair loss. 

According to the Locks of Love website, the organization accepts hair of any color that is not bleached and is sent in a braid or ponytail that is at least 10 inches long. 

These donations of hair are sent to the Locks of Love home office in Lake Worth, Florida where volunteers sort the hair by color before sending it to a manufacturer who produces hair pieces. Each hair piece takes approximately four-to-six months to create. 

"This is my second time growing my hair out and donating it to this worthy cause," said Sergeant Tuten. "My hair gives me confidence, so why not share it with someone else who needs it," she said. 

Approximately 80 percent of donated hair is sent to Locks of Love by children wanting to help other children. 

"I think we all have someone we know who has suffered from cancer. To give a lock of your hair, a part of yourself, shows compassion and love. We should all be proud to have someone like this on the Incirlik team," said USA Capt. Robert Hawley, Incirlik Veterinary Services chief. 

Locks of Love are always looking for volunteers to organize fundraisers. 

Anyone wishing to learn more about Locks of Love may visit the www.locksoflove.org website for more information.