NSU Newsroom
SharkBytes
Horizons
This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Teen Cancer Survivor Hosts “For Hair’s Sake” Benefit at NSU to Collect Ponytails, Raise Funds for “Locks of Love,” Apr. 17
Most teenagers have enough thing to worry about and having cancer should not be one of them. But that’s what happened to NSU freshman Lesly Viera, who at the age of 16, was diagnosed with cancer.
Doctors discovered lymphoma located between her heart and lungs, so Lesly went through chemotherapy to beat the disease. Now, the 18-year-old biology major wants to give back to others affected by cancer. Despite carrying a full course load at NSU, Lesly started the student organization, Locks for a Cause, that helps raise funds for cancer research.
On Apr. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the group will host its first event, “For Hair’s Sake,” to raise funds 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 hairstylists from A’dazl Salon, Davie Smart Cuts, Gina’s Barber & Salon, Glamore Salon, Red Head Salon and Shear Designs will offer complimentary haircuts to hair and monetary donors. Criteria for donating hair includes: hair must be at least 6 inches long; dyed hair is acceptable but bleached is not. Those unable to donate locks are also welcome to make a financial contribution.
While attending Mater Academy Charter High School in Hialeah Gardens, Lesly and her friends held a similar drive that collected more than 200 ponytails in one day.
“A hairpiece can give a child confidence and can make a terrible situation a little easier to cope with,” Lesly said. “Our hope is that we can bring the community together and get even more donations this time!”