Girls Give Their 'Locks Of Love'
How far would you go to help someone you've never met? This story is about a group of high school students, mostly girls, who are helping people by doing what most teen-age girls would consider unthinkable. CBS News Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
Britney Laughlin was born with the things most people aspire to, a strong family, good health and long, naturally wavy hair. Her life has been, for the most part, a succession of happy events, except for a time when her family was touched by tragedy.
In 1991, Brittany's cousin Michael was diagnosed with leukemia. Before the disease took his life, chemotherapy claimed his hair.
Looking at a picture of the boy at that time,Britney's mom, Maura, says, "But I think that had some impact on Britney. She realized he didn't have any hair under that ball cap."
Michael's death would later become Britney's inspiration.
Now a senior in high school, Britney has found a way to help people who, like her cousin, lose their hair to illness. The program is called "Locks of Love," and Britney recruited 50 of her friends who agreed to donate their long locks so chemo patients can have custom wigs.
If you would like donate your hair, here are some guidelines:
"Hair is the number one concern of teen-age girls," says Atoosa Rubenstein. She should know; she is editor of Cosmo Girl magazine.
"It's just a real testament to a generation of girls that's amazing to see," she says.
Britney will be among the first for a date with the scissors.
"I think it's a really good cause to help other children. I mean I have this hair, it doesn't really serve much purpose, but it can mean a lot to some little girl out there who doesn't have any," says Britney.
The actual cutting happens in a salon. Britney's friends were all perfect candidates for hair donation: Locks of Love needs a minimum of ten inches, but most of the girls were giving more.
The hair is measured, banded and then cut. In a moment of truth, they girls emerge with a total new look.
Everyone's hair is shorter, but everyone's smile is a little brighter.
A few hundred miles away in New York City, Goody Products creative consultant Richard Marin is donating his time and talent to help a little girl's dream come true.
Carolyn lost her hair to Alopecia and today she received a custom wig, courtesy of Locks of Love. No words, only tears.
"It is the symbolism of a new generation who are really dedicated to helping the boy or the girl next to them. It's really a beautiful thing," says Rubenstein.
For more information, please call 1-888-896-1588 or visit locksoflove.org.