Ruby Verheij and Mila de Boer are donating their hair to cancer patients. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
NICHOLA SCARLETT
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Two Carterton Rapunzels are the heroes of another person’s story, donating their long locks to cancer patients in need of wigs.
Ruby Verheij and Mila de Boer had meaningful haircuts over the weekend, and with plenty of support from the community, will add to the $2160 they had raised in only six days.
Ruby, 8, has had only one haircut in her life, while her younger sister Mila, 5, has never had one.
“I want to give my hair to people with cancer who have lost all of theirs. I have so much hair, so I would like to share it,” said Ruby.
Their mother, Ali de Boer, said when her youngest daughter was born, she had the most amazing hair and wanted it to be her decision if she would like to donate it.
“When I was pregnant with Mila, I came across this story of a child who was suffering from cancer. It really touched me.”
Ali asked her daughter how she would feel about it, with her saying she wanted to give her hair to people who need it.
“I want to cut my hair off so those little children can have some hair too,” said Mila.
The family had been affected by cancer, with three out of four grandparents getting the disease.
They decided to donate the money raised to the Child Cancer Foundation New Zealand and the hair to Freedom Wigs, who create the wigs for people living with cancer.
“We chose the children’s cancer foundation because these kids with cancer haven’t even had a chance at life yet. They get hit harder and they need a lot of support. It’s something that Ruby and Mila can relate to because they are children,” said Ali.
The family were overwhelmed with the support from the community and the response, receiving donations from many people around the district.
Ali had to raise their original fundraising goal from $500 four times.
“We’re completely blown away.”
Comments on their Give a Little page included: “You are such beautiful and courageous girls. Thanks for being so caring and selfless. This will have such a positive impact.”
“So nice for these children who lose their hair and have already suffered so much. Thank you Ruby and Mila. You have been blessed with beautiful hair.”
Headquarters Hair and Beauty Carterton had cut the girls’ hair for free.
- Donations are open until May 27. To donate: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ruby-and-mila-cut-their-hair-for-childrens-cancer
