This mom from Arizona lost her hair due to radiation treatment for her brain tumor diagnosis. So, her son decided to let his hair grow and create a wig for his mom.
The mom of six, Melanie Shaha, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor of the pituitary gland back in 2003.
This is a small organ that is attached to the base of our brain. It produces hormones that manage various body functions including fertility and growth.
Melanie had to undergo surgery to have the tumor removed. The size was of a plum. However, in 2006, she also had another operation after she was informed that the tumor came back.
And, in 2017, the tumor came back for the third time. At this point, she was advised to undergo radiation. One of the side effects she experienced was hair loss.
Although the National Cancer Institute notes that the hair usually grows back after 3 to 6 months from finishing the therapy, high doses of radiation may damage the hair, causing it to become thinner or to not grow at all.
What It Seemed like a Joke, Turned Out to Become a Reality
According to Melanie, without hair, one sticks out and even people who mean well may tell things that will break your heart.
She never minded her illness, but she minded looking ill. She wanted to blend in and not have to stand out from the crowd.
In 2018, her 27-year-old son Matt jokingly said something during a family lunch which actually became a reality.
He suggested growing out his hair and making his mom a wig.
At the time, he had already started growing out his hair since his university had strict policies about hair length. At first, his mom didn’t agree with her son and she didn’t take him up on his offer.
However, he was persistent and kept on growing his hair.
Then, in a period of two and a half years, he grew out his hair, enough to use it as hair for the creation of his mom’s wig. He cut his long locks in March this year.
Matt Cuts His Long Hair & They Send It to Make a Wig for Melanie
Melanie said that they were so excited when Matt’s coworkers started to cut his long hair. The hair was sent to Compassionate Creations located in Newport Beach, California.
There, they assembled the hair in a wig which they said was valued at $2,000. The hairdresser styled the wig and added a lovely color. Matt says he loves how the amazing wig looks on his mom.
When he was asked about his decision to grow out his hair, he said it was a no-brainer. He added that she was the one who gave him the hair in the first place.
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