Video: Breast-cancer patient’s haircut for Locks of Love

36-year-old Nikki Mackey hopes you will watch that video of her recent haircut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor). Five weeks ago, Nikki was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She explains why watching the video can make a difference:

Knowing that I will lose my hair to chemo, I decided to donate it to Locks of Love (my hair was very long and very pretty….)

I went last Wednesday to Illusions Salon in West Seattle and had them cut the hair for the donation – one of the stylists videotaped it for me since I have been trying to fully document this new and painful journey. I put the video up on YouTube to share with my friends and family (I’m from the East Coast so many of them are not here physically but want to share this experience with me in any way they can…)

The video generated a great many views very quickly and I received a notice from YouTube regarding ad-revenue sharing. Illusions gave their permission for me to
apply for the ad-revenue sharing and I contacted Locks of Love to let them know that I want all proceeds earned from the video to go to them. I just really want to get the video out there so we can perhaps earn some money to help this fantastic organization. Immediately following my surgery, one of the surgical attendants came to see me to make sure I was doing OK. She told me she had worked at St. Jude’s and was present when one of the Locks of Love wigs was presented to a 15 year old girl. She told me she never forgot how happy the girl was and how emotional it was to see this child get a wig which would allow her to feel like a normal 15 year old – at least as normal as she could possibly feel under the circumstances.

… I want to raise awareness for this awesome organization, as well as for breast cancer awareness. As I said, I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am. I just want to get the word out that body awareness is the key to survival. It certainly was for me.

Locks of Love participation is one of the ways Illusions gives back to the community – as explained toward the bottom of the “Giving Back” page on their website. You can also find out more about Locks of Love, including other ways to help the organization, by going here.

10 Replies to "Video: Breast-cancer patient's haircut for Locks of Love"

  • pamela October 18, 2010 (3:54 pm)

    you are a brave and beautiful woman

  • Tracy D. October 18, 2010 (3:55 pm)

    Ohhhh Nikki, if only I could hug you through the computer. I am a 36 year old Breast Cancer survivor…and lost all my hair this summer while I went through chemo. Locks of Love is a great organization and has helped so many people. You are so right – that hair will make some little girl SO happy! You are so brave…keep your chin up…and fight like hell my friend! You have a sister Survivor in West Seattle rooting for you – All my best to you!

  • JanS October 18, 2010 (4:10 pm)

    Nikki…I’m so sorry that you’ve joined the club that no one wants to belong to. I’m a 5+ year survivor. Just know that you have a lot of support in this community, and if you need anything, just ask. Sending gentle hugs….

  • MsEvelyn October 18, 2010 (4:22 pm)

    Wishing you all the best! Strangers DO care Nikki…

  • Susan October 18, 2010 (5:04 pm)

    That is a wonderful thing Nikki!!! You are an amazing role model. I donated 12″ to Locks of Love about six months ago… Since then my friend has lost her battle with cervical cancer and a group of us are growing it all out to donate it again… It breaks my heart when I see women/girls go short and the hair is just swept up and discarded… YOU are completely generous and beautiful…Thanks for sharing the video!!! it is an inspiration to all of us…

  • Catherine October 18, 2010 (5:32 pm)

    Wow, that video made me cry. You’re so brave and beautiful, Nikki; you’re truly an inspiration. I’ll be sending loving thoughts and prayers your way throughout your journey.

  • ln8r October 18, 2010 (5:34 pm)

    You are a profoundly amazing human being. I wish you the best on your healing journey and will forward like crazy!

    :)

  • Genesee Hill October 18, 2010 (6:00 pm)

    Wow, one cool human!

  • angelescrest October 19, 2010 (9:54 pm)

    You are so brave and so beautiful! What an amazing gesture.
    May you heal quickly–this world needs you!

  • Kristina October 20, 2010 (2:14 pm)

    Nikki, I wish you wellness and joy. You obviously have great strength, and I love to see it!

    I am in the breast cancer survivor club as well; I was diagnosed 5+ years ago at the age of 35, and I too have had my head shaved and donated the hair. My 7.5 year old daughter is currently growing out her hair to donate, too…. a gesture that makes me proud and chokes me up, all in the same moment.

    Welcome to the sisterhood that nobody wants to join….but we take care of each other, and I truly wish you well.

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