Bella & Mama: Growing Our Hair for a Cause

Four years ago, I donated my hair for the third time. This September, I'll be doing it again, but this time it's so much more than a haircut.

This year, my daughter Bella and I will be donating our hair together.

Bella is 5 years old, and for the past three years, she has been growing her hair with one special goal in mind: helping another child. For her 6th birthday, we'll cut our locks and donate them to Wigs for Kids BC.

When you think about it, that's half of her life.

Half of her life spent patiently growing her hair so she could make a difference for someone she may never meet.

As a mother, I've always hoped to teach my children the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others. Watching Bella embrace those values at such a young age has been one of the proudest moments of my life. Every time someone commented on how long her hair was getting, she'd proudly explain that she was growing it so she could donate it to kids who needed it more.

This journey is about so much more than hair.

It's about giving children facing unimaginable challenges something many of us take for granted: confidence, comfort, and a chance to feel like themselves again.

Along with donating our hair, we're raising funds for Wigs for Kids BC through BC Children's Hospital Foundation, with a goal of raising $5,000 by September. It's an ambitious goal, but one that we believe is possible with the support of our family, friends, and community.

This cause is deeply personal to me.

In September 2017, my world changed forever when my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Less than two months later, he was gone.

He was only 60 years old.

My dad was my first hero, my biggest supporter, and one of the most important people in my life. Losing him left a hole that can never truly be filled. While the grief never disappears, I've learned to carry it differently. Instead of letting the sadness define me, I try to honour him through kindness, gratitude, and by finding ways to help others whenever I can.

I often think about how proud he would be to see his granddaughter. Her gentle heart, her empathy, and her excitement to help other children remind me so much of the values he instilled in me.

This fundraiser is our way of paying that love forward.

Our hope is that every donation helps ease the burden for a family going through one of the hardest experiences imaginable. If together we can help a child feel more confident, help a parent worry a little less, or bring even a small moment of comfort during a difficult time, then every inch of hair and every dollar raised will be worth it.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Thank you for supporting this cause, for cheering Bella on, and for helping us make a difference in the lives of children and families across British Columbia.

With love and gratitude,

Anh & Bella

About Wigs for Kids BC

Wigs for Kids BC (W4K BC) helps kids living with cancer live better.

A proudly volunteer-run organization, W4K BC provides funding to cover the cost of custom-made human-hair wigs for children and teens at BC Children's Hospital who have suffered hair loss due to cancer treatment or other serious illnesses. Donations to W4K BC also help families pay for medications and feeding supplies that are essential for treatment but not covered by their medical plan.

When a child has a serious illness, it takes an enormous toll on the entire family, both emotionally and financially. The assistance W4K BC provides makes the family's burden a little lighter so they can focus more of their time and energy on caring for their sick child.

By contributing to W4K BC, you are making a tremendous difference in the lives of children living with cancer, and their families, across the province.

Thank you for your support.