For most little girls, celebrating their fifth birthday is a big deal and it normally includes a party with lots of presents. But Taranaki youngster Emerson Hancock wanted to mark her milestone occasion by doing something for others, so she had her hair cut for the very first time and donated her locks to women who are suffering from cancer.
“I really like princesses and I know that my hair will help someone else to feel like a pretty princess,” says the Hawera girl with a big smile.
Her mum Miriam (41) says her daughter had never had a haircut, but knew it was time for a trim when her locks had grown past her hips. She suggested Emerson pay it forward and educated her about those suffering from cancer.
“I saw a television advertisement asking people to donate hair to make wigs for people who have lost theirs because of cancer treatment. I talked about this with Emerson and she was sad knowing that some women, and even some little girls, go through this pain and suffering. She wanted to do her bit to help,” the proud mother says.
So when Emerson turned five in June, she visited the hairdresser and donated her beautiful blonde pigtails to charity.
“I was expecting lots of tears, because Emerson loved having long hair. But instead she had a huge smile the whole time, knowing that she was doing a good thing,” Miriam tells.
The youngster’s Rapunzel tresses have gone to someone special.
Sporting a new look, with her hair now hanging just below her shoulders, Emerson has a confident attitude and loves going to primary school.
With the Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day appeal, Emerson and her mother are encouraging others to continue to contribute and help those suffering from cancer.
Now, when asked, Emerson can proudly explain her motives for getting a haircut.
“I showed my friends my chopped hair in a pigtail,” Emerson says. “I told them that I was giving it away to help others. That made me feel good.”
