Chiara's Story

Dear Wigs for Kids,
Please find enclosed two braids, which at this time last week, I had cut from my head in order to send them to your organization.  In memory of my dear friend Rafael, I send you my hair in hopes that it will be made into a wig which will make one child very happy.I first heard of your organization a few months ago.  My friend Derek told me that his friend had cut off all of her hair and donated it to be made into wigs for cancer patients who had lost their hair while undergoing chemotherapy.  I called the American Cancer Society shortly thereafter and they gave me the name of your organization.

My friend Rafael had been undergoing chemotherapy for advanced stage stomach cancer when he began to lose his hair while on a business trip in Japan.  He and his wife Christine went together to a hair salon where Rafael had his head shaved and Christine had her waist length hair cut short.  Christine originally planned to have her head shaved as well but under Rafael's protest, settled for a very short cut.  Twenty of Rafael's male co-workers and one of his colleagues in Japan shaved their heads bald in an act of solidarity and a beautiful gesture of their love and support for Rafael.

I am inspired every day by my friend Rafael and by Christine, Rafael's wife and my best friend.  These two people share a tremendous love and together they showed tremendous courage.  People who do not know why I cut my hair look at me and tell me how brave I am to have cut off all of my hair.  But I know what bravery is now.  Rafael said in his battle with cancer that he felt like a fighter and his family and friends were cheering him on and God was his coach in this fight.  Rafael fought his cancer with the grace and strength with which he did everything in life and he remained strong in spirit and mind until the day he left this world.

Christine and I plan to grow out our hair together this time, until it is long enough to cut off once more and send to you.

Please accept these braids in memory of Rafael.  He brought joy to so many lives and I hope that these braids will bring joy to a child who no doubt, has Rafael in their corner.

In loving memory of Rafael.

Thank you,
Chiara