WHEN Molong mum Kiah Whiley decided it was time for a haircut, she wanted the 20 centimetres coming off her hair to mean something special.
The long-time resident and mother of three is preparing to donate her hair to help create a bespoke wig for a child who has lost their hair through cancer treatment, while simultaneously raising money for local family the Ansted’s, whose son Hugo is battling lymphoma.
For Ms Whiley, the decision was about finding a practical way to support children and families facing an experience no child should have to endure.
“I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through cancer treatment and lose your hair, especially at such a young age,” she said.
“I think that if donating my hair to make a wig can help even one child feel a little bit more like themselves during such an incredibly difficult time, then it’s completely worth it.”
Hugo attends school in Molong alongside two of Ms Whiley’s sons.
His mother was due to teach Ms Whiley’s youngest son this year before Hugo’s diagnosis meant she had to step back from teaching to be with him in Sydney while he undergoes treatment.
“With Hugo’s treatment about to ramp back up, I thought now would be the perfect time to get some fundraising happening again for the Ansted family,” Ms Whiley said.
“I also thought, why not do something that can help both my local community and other children by being able to give in more than one way.”
Ms Whiley’s hair will be cut to leave it sitting around her shoulders, rather than its current length halfway down her back.
The 20-centimetre ponytail will then be packaged and sent to Ella Wigmakers, where Ms Whiley said it will be made into a bespoke wig for a child who has lost their hair due to cancer treatment.
While the hair will go towards helping another child, donations raised through Ms Whiley’s fundraiser will go directly to the Ansted family through their existing GoFundMe campaign.
So far, the campaign has raised about an additional $370 through Ms Whiley’s efforts, but she has set her sights on reaching $1000.
“I’d absolutely love to get that to $1000, and if we can raise even more than that, even better!” she said.
Ms Whiley is also working with St Joseph’s School principal Matthew French on potential school-based fundraising, with plans for the eventual haircut and any associated activities to involve the school community.
A date for the “big chop” has not yet been set, but she plans to announce the details on social media once arrangements have been finalised.
For Ms Whiley, the fundraiser reflects the way small communities rally around their own.
“I think in a small community like Molong, we all feel connected when something happens to one of our families,” she said.
“The St Joey’s community is especially supportive, and when one mother hurts, all mothers hurt.”
While she admits she is a little nervous about losing such a significant amount of hair, she said knowing where it was going made the decision an easy one.
“It’s only hair, and it will grow back,” she said.
“If 20 centimetres of my hair can become something that brings comfort to another child, then it’s absolutely worth it.”
And she hopes others will consider giving in whatever way they can.
“I’d say, if you’ve got the hair to give, give it,” Ms Whiley said.
“Hair grows back, but for a child going through cancer treatment, having a wig that makes them feel more like themselves can mean so much.
“And if donating hair isn’t something you can do, even a small donation can make a difference.”
“I’m just one person cutting my hair, but if the Molong community gets behind it, we can hopefully turn one haircut into something really meaningful for the Ansted family and for another child who will receive the wig.”
Those who would like to support Ms Whiley’s fundraiser can donate to the Ansted family’s GoFundMe campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hugos-brave-battle-against-lymphoma-3j9py.