Six-year-old Erica Littleton's recent haircut wasn't in preparation for her first day of school. It was to help those with cancer.
The Harrison resident's best friend was diagnosed with leukemia in March.
Great Clips of Ooltewah stylists take part in a Wigs for Kids donation by Harrison residents Erica and Rebecca Littleton. From left are hairstylist Amy DeFriece, Erica Littleton, 6, her mother Rebecca Littleton, Great Clips store manager Lori Johnson and hairstylist Xuan Li."When she found out her friend was getting a wig she wanted to help her friend," said Erica's mother, Rebecca Littleton. "She wanted to give her hair to make her friend a wig, but it does not work that way. They will use her hair to make a wig for someone, though."
She joined her daughter at the Great Clips in Ooltewah recently to donate both of their hair to Wigs for Kids. Located at 9203 Lee Highway, the salon gives free haircuts to those donating their locks to such causes.
Littleton said Erica's friend with cancer is 6 years old and lives in Knoxville. They have been friends since age 2.
"This is the first time we've donated to Wigs for Kids," said Littleton. "We both donated 10 to 12 inches of our hair."
The mission statement of Wigs for Kids is "helping children look themselves and live their lives." For more than 30 years Wigs for Kids has provided hair replacement systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alopecia (baldness), trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), burns and other medical issues. The wig and support is free to children and their families.
Erica is a student at Harrison Elementary School. She is a Brownie in the Girl Scouts who has won the Daisy Summit Award for the three Daisy journeys. She plays Redoubt Soccer.
To learn more about Wigs for Kids visit www.wigsforkids.org.