Teen Cancer Survivor Collects More Than 200 Ponytails at “Locks for a Cause” Cut-a-Thon

Most 16-year-olds have enough worries… from getting their driver’s license, to passing their next exam, to making plans with that special someone. But when NSU sophomore Lesly Viera was 16, she had a different kind of concern — she was diagnosed with cancer.

Doctors discovered a lymphoma located between her heart and lungs, so Lesly went through chemotherapy to beat the disease. Now, the 19-year-old biology major is stronger than ever and wanted to give back to other teens and young adults affected by cancer. So despite carrying a full course load at NSU, Lesly started and continues to run Locks for a Cause — a student organization that raises funds for cancer research.

Recently, more than 200 ponytails were collected when the group held its second annual “For Hair’s Sake” cut-a-thon on March 18 to raise funds for cancer research and collect ponytails for Locks of Love, a non-profit that creates high-quality wigs for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or a medical condition.

Local salons Glamore Salon and Shear Designs by Carolyne Gordon as well as several independent stylists offered complimentary haircuts to hair and monetary donors. Criteria for donating hair included: hair must be at least 6 inches long; dyed hair is acceptable but bleached is not. Those unable to donate locks were also welcome to make a financial contribution.

For more information or to make a hair or monetary donation, please contact Lesly at lv245@nova.edu.