Help me get to The Great Cut

My Personal Alopecia Story

           My name is Mahala, I am 17yrs old & I have Alopecia. I was first diagnosed at 5yrs old. I lost about 20-30% of my hair & most of my eyelashes & eyebrows. The doctors really couldn't tell my mom exactly how much hair I would lose or if it would grow back. In 6 months it all began to grow back, however, my eyebrows & eyelashes were always thin. Over the next 10 years, I would occasionally get a small spot here or there, but it would always grow back. In early 2017 I noticed a small spot but didn't think anything of it. It stayed small for quite some time.

         Unfortunately, by the end of 2017, I started losing my hair rapidly. In a matter of 3 months, I went from having hair almost to my butt to being completely bald, along with losing my all of my eyebrows, eyelashes & most of the hair on my entire body. It was very hard for me emotionally. My hair had been a big part of my life. I was the only girl of three kids, my mother loved doing my hair. Softball braids are a thing, really! I was also the only girl on my football team (yes I said football & yes it was full contact). I was known for my long ponytail hanging out of the back of my helmet. It was more than just hair, it was my identity. And now it was gone.
Me before I lost my hair

          It was hard for my whole family too. I found out after I lost all my hair that when my mother would brush my hair at night before bed, she would hide the hair I was losing in the couch cushions until I went to bed so I wouldn't see how much or how fast it was falling out. We have seen several doctors & tried several treatments without much luck. I had to come to terms with the fact I may be bald for the rest of my life. That was when I found out about Children With Hair Loss. They made an incredibly difficult situation easier to deal with. The process was super easy as well. There were a few simple forms to fill out & I had my wig in about 2-3 weeks. Completely free of charge.
Me in my wig from  CWHL

         I am actually getting ready to reapply for my new wig. Discovering Children With Hair Loss made my choice for my senior project simple. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to give back to an organization who helped me during one of my darkest hours. I have already collected close to 5lbs of human hair from family, friends, neighbors, community member & complete strangers who have heard my story. In doing my research for my project I discovered The Great Cut. I would really love to get out to San Diego & be a part of this world record attempt. And to be there to show the generous hair donors who they are helping. But in order to do that I need your help.

I am attending The Great Cut to offer my support. This charity event will be a massive undertaking and will require all hands on deck from the community to make it happen.

I am asking for your help to get me there.

Imagine if you couldn’t grow hair.
It can be easy to take for granted, but there are millions of children who can’t. Whether it’s from alopecia, cancer treatments or severe burns, the effects of medically-related hair loss can have a painful impact on a child’s life.

The problem is, a single human hair replacement can require hair donations from up to eight people and cost up to $5,000. For most families, it’s an expense they cannot afford.

Children With Hair Loss™ provides these children with customized hair replacements and care kits at no cost to the family. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they are the only organization of their kind who provide services 100% free of charge.

In 2017 alone, Children With Hair Loss provided wigs to 569 children! That’s incredible...but helping so many kids at no charge requires a lot of hair—and a lot of financial support.

The Great Cut
I’m stepping up to help Children With Hair Loss heal these young hearts. On 3/16/19 I’ll be part of an attempt to break the world record for the largest hair donation in history.

Conceived, organized and produced by The Longhairs, the mission of The Great Cut is to donate 200 lbs. of hair from 2,000 donors and raise $200K for Children With Hair Loss.

200 LBS | 2,000 DONORS | $200K

I plan to be part of this world record attempt...but I need your help getting there.

My participation in The Great Cut will help a child with hair loss battling illness to live a more normal life. Your donation will help pay for my registration and travel expenses, with the additional funds going to Children With Hair Loss.

Here is the breakdown on my fundraising goal:
(Based On Projected Numbers From The Great Cut)

Airfare For 2 ~ $1000
Hotel For 4 Nights ~ $600
Meals For 2 For 4 Days ~ $400
Ground Transportation ~ $200 
The Great Cut Registration For 2 ~ $140
Putting Our Toes In The Pacific ~ PRICELESS
Total Travel ~ $2340

Donations To Children With Hair Loss $2500

($160 Discrepancy from goal to cover GoFundMe Fees)  

Please understand your donation is not tax-deductible. That’s because part of the funds I’m raising will pay for my travel expenses. 

If I don't raise enough & we do not go to San Diego ALL money raised will go directly to Children With Hair Loss.

If we do not raise the entire $5000, but still go to San Diego the money collected will be split 50/50 for travel & donation.

If we raise the $5000 (or more) & we do not need the $2340 for travel expenses all extra money will be donated to Children With Hair Loss.
  
Donate to my campaign 
Help me participate in The Great Cut, break a world record, change a child’s life and be part of history. Here’s how:

1) Make a donation today.
2) Share my campaign.
3) Donate your hair, volunteer to cut hair, or support The Great Cut.
4) Learn more here: thegreatcut.us

Thank you in advance!

If you would like to donate your hair please contact me through GoFundMe for more information!