Teacher and Coach Gives Back with Hair and Fundraiser

Last month, we (virtually) met Viktor Rusenas, a 26-year-old special education teacher and high school diving coach, from Naperville, Illinois. 

An adventurer at heart, Viktor spent 47 days this summer traveling across 18 states on his Harley, and—if that’s not exciting enough—he also became a certified skydiver and spends any extra free time competing in marathons, ironmans, and obstacle course races.

While growing up, Viktor’s mom regularly gave him buzz cuts from childhood well into adulthood. When he went to college, hair cuts weren’t a priority in the budget, so he decided to grow out his hair. Viktor follows a few other athletes on Instagram, and saw the opportunity to make hair donations to Wigs For Kids (WFK), and he decided—after growing his hair out since 2013— to become part of the family!

Viktor scheduled his big cut with a salon-owner and friend, and dubbed the feeling “surreal” to cut off his locks: a total of six ponytails each measuring in at greater than 12 inches! After so many life-changing experiences this summer, he knew he was adding another amazing experience to the list, and broadcast the massive haircut live on Facebook for friends and family to see.

Viktor explained that he appreciates WFK dedication to never charge fees to donate or to receive a hairpiece, and he wanted to do more. Along with his hair donation, he set up a fundraiser through our WFK page. It was an absolute success and raised just under $2,000, enough to cover the entire cost for a hand-tied hairpiece for a child. 

He is so excited to be able to help children and is hopeful that a child receives an “awesome wig” and that he inspires others to donate to WFK, as well. 

Wigs For Kids never charges children or their families for hairpieces, thanks to donors like Viktor! If you’d like to set up a fundraiser through Wigs For Kids like Viktor, visit our Fundraising page here.