Teen Cancer Survivor Hosts ‘For Hair’s Sake’ Benefit at NSU for ‘Locks of Love’

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 freshman Lesly Viera was 16, she had a different kind of concern – she 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 is stronger than ever and wants to give back to other teens and young adults affected by cancer. So, despite carrying a full course load at NSU, Lesly started Locks for a Cause – a student organization that helps raise funds for cancer research.

On Apr. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the group hosted its first event – “For Hair’s Sake” – 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. The students collected more than 155 ponytails and $360 in one day!

Local hairstylists from A’dazl Salon, Davie Smart Cuts, Gina’s Barber & Salon, Glamore Salon, Red Head Salon, Salon Euphoria and Shear Designs offered complimentary haircuts to hair and monetary donors. Criteria for donating hair were that hair must be at least six inches long and unbleached (dyed hair was acceptable). Those unable to donate locks were also welcome to make a financial contribution.

“A hairpiece can give a child confidence and can make a terrible situation a little easier to cope with,” Lesly said. “Our goal is to bring the community together and spread hope!”