NSU’s student organization Locks for Cause will hold its third annual “For Hair’s Sake” cut-a-thon on April 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center Spine, to collect ponytails for Locks of Love.
Founded by junior biology major and cancer survivor Lesly Viera, Locks for Cause raises funds for cancer research and hosts cut-a-thon events. Viera was diagnosed with stage three B-cell lymphoma at age 16, and due to chemotherapy, lost all of her hair. During this time, she also met many other cancer patients who struggled with hair loss.
“I couldn’t imagine how these girls could ever get better without going out with their friends and living their normal lives, just because of hair loss,” said Viera. “Although it never bothered me, I could really see the effect it had on them.”
So, Viera established Locks for Cause in her senior year of high school and eventually brought it to NSU. She said that she is proud to have collected over 600 ponytails since its inception. At 2012’s cut-a-thon, she and her organization collected over 200 ponytails.
All donated ponytails must be at least 6-inches long. Dyed hair, but not bleached, is acceptable. Anyone who is unable to donate his or her hair to Locks for Cause is encouraged to make a financial contribution.
In addition to receiving funding from the Undergraduate Student Government Association, Locks for Cause receives annual support from Shear Designs, a salon in Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Carolyne Gordon, master stylist for Shear Designs, is a two-time cancer survivor and has supported Locks For Cause since 2009. Her salon, and several independent stylists, will offer free haircuts to all donors on the day of the event.
According to Viera, local artist Ivan Jorge Roque will be donating an art piece to Locks for Cause in support of their charitable efforts.
Viera hopes to collects 200 ponytails at the upcoming cut-a-thon, which will be open to NSU students, faculty, staff and members of the community. Students should bring their NSU ID.
For more information about the event or Locks for Cause, contact Viera at lv245@nova.edu.
