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Locks of Love
Hernandez's
confidence is strong as he grows his hair
October 29, 2007
By Daniel
Dennis
and the ICG Staff
Jimmie Hernandez
is your typical teenage boy, a freshman at GHS, who cares
about his education, plays tennis and is considered by his
peers to be a well-rounded individual. One thing
Hernandez is doing that sets him apart, he is growing his
hair not for looks but to donate to Locks of Love.
Locks of Love is
an organization that makes prosthetic wigs from donated
hair, and then gives those wigs to financially needed
children that have hair loss problems. While many
are cancer patients, others have a variety of illnesses
that lead to eventually a bald head.
"My sister
Jessica has donated hair twice, and I wanted to do it
also," said Hernandez.
His parents are
supportive and understanding of his long hair. His
dad had long hair and always wanted to do something with
it. His mom just wants him to do what he thinks will
make him and others happy.
This project has
been quite "tressful" as Hernandez has had to endure his
peers and even some adults making fun of him or
questioning his motives.
"What's my
self-confidence worth, not much, if I can't live my life
to make someone else's life better," said Hernandez.
"I don't even try to explain anymore."
Hair donations
have to be cut in a particular manner and Hernandez will
go to the local J.C. Penney's to get the official Locks of
Love cut. They will in turn give him a certificate
for his donation. He started his quest seven months
ago and if he stays on course, he will have a December
hair cut. Just about Christmas, Hernandez expects
his hair to be ready to cut at the required length of ten
inches.
It hasn't been
easy at times, but Hernandez does have his supporters.
While it's just a guy growing out his hair, it seems to be
a matter of ridicule for many. He has been called
names, excluded from activities and even taken criticism
from strangers.
"About a month
ago, I got fed up with rude comments and not being able to
participate on one of my teams at school, so I scheduled a
hair appointment. I was on my way out of the
building and stopped by Mrs. Gossett's room to tell her
the next time she sees me, I'll have short hair," said
Hernandez. "She asked me if I wanted to cut my hair
and I sad no. Then she said, 'Well, then don't cut
your hair,' and I didn't."
"The donation is
something good, but from it I have gained wisdom," said
Hernandez. "I think the donation of my hair may
become an annual thing."
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