LITTLE HAIR SHOWS A LOT OF HEART
LITTLE HAIR SHOWS A LOT OF HEART
Taylor Mitchell is sporting a new ‘do which has raised some controversy. The sophomore has faced unpleasant and judgmental comments after shaving her long hair down to a buzz cut two weeks ago. To Mitchell, this haircut was much more than a fashion statement. Mitchell ‘s choice was in honor of her best friend, Marshall Smith, who passed away in February at the age of 22 from osteosarcoma cancer. Chopping her tresses was a part of a fundraiser at St. Baldrick’s Foundation which aimed to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Smith and Mitchell went to middle school and high school together and their fathers worked together at their local fire department. These connections made the two friends almost inseparable. “He was definitely family to me,” Mitchell says, “I loved him in the sense that I thought of him as a brother.” Smith was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, and Mitchell stayed by his side for the entire process. “Sometimes I felt like I was going through it too,” says Mitchell.
Now, with her new look, be angry at people.” she can empathize with After his passing, Mitchell the outward changes her wanted to do what her best friend went through. friend didn’t have an In this experience, the option to do and get a buzz memory of him has given cut. her a new perspective on “It was emotional but also life. rejuvenating at the same “He was really brave and time. Doing it made me wouldn’t complain about feel closer to him. . . like pain,” she says. “You a weight was lifted off my just kind of realize no shoulders,” she said. one should take life for People who don’t know the granted, and you should story thought she wanted be thinking about how you attention, and some have treat people. You don’t certainly given it to her. know who’s going through However, those who do what. This life is so short know about Marshall have that you don’t have time to generally been supportive. Story published in The Albrightian- March 21, 2013
Mitchell was one of approximately 50 participants in the headshaving event but one of only three females to give up their hair. One of the other women was Sonya Whitman, 19, who attends LaSalle University and went through chemotherapy with Smith. Approximately $15,000 worth of proceeds was split between St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Smith’s family as a result of the fundraiser.
Taylor Mitchell is sporting a new ‘do which has raised some controversy. The sophomore has faced unpleasant and judgmental comments after shaving her long hair down to a buzz cut two weeks ago. To Mitchell, this haircut was much more than a fashion statement. Mitchell ‘s choice was in honor of her best friend, Marshall Smith, who passed away in February at the age of 22 from osteosarcoma cancer. Chopping her tresses was a part of a fundraiser at St. Baldrick’s Foundation which aimed to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Smith and Mitchell went to middle school and high school together and their fathers worked together at their local fire department. These connections made the two friends almost inseparable. “He was definitely family to me,” Mitchell says, “I loved him in the sense that I thought of him as a brother.” Smith was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, and Mitchell stayed by his side for the entire process. “Sometimes I felt like I was going through it too,” says Mitchell.
Now, with her new look, be angry at people.” she can empathize with After his passing, Mitchell the outward changes her wanted to do what her best friend went through. friend didn’t have an In this experience, the option to do and get a buzz memory of him has given cut. her a new perspective on “It was emotional but also life. rejuvenating at the same “He was really brave and time. Doing it made me wouldn’t complain about feel closer to him. . . like pain,” she says. “You a weight was lifted off my just kind of realize no shoulders,” she said. one should take life for People who don’t know the granted, and you should story thought she wanted be thinking about how you attention, and some have treat people. You don’t certainly given it to her. know who’s going through However, those who do what. This life is so short know about Marshall have that you don’t have time to generally been supportive. Story published in The Albrightian- March 21, 2013
Mitchell was one of approximately 50 participants in the headshaving event but one of only three females to give up their hair. One of the other women was Sonya Whitman, 19, who attends LaSalle University and went through chemotherapy with Smith. Approximately $15,000 worth of proceeds was split between St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Smith’s family as a result of the fundraiser.
