WATCH: Malia Faces Her Fears to Make the World a Better Place

We’re honored to share Malia’s donation story, as shared by her family:

Malia is a bright ball of sunshine who loves helping others and making the world a kinder place. Her favorite color is rainbow because she can’t choose just one. She is currently in 4th grade and enjoys ballet, soccer, and reading—lots of reading! Between July 2024 and February 2025, she read an incredible 1,000 books and is now working toward a new goal: reading every day for a full year. As of October 10th, 2025, she is currently on day 344! 

Malia also lives with Tourette Syndrome, OCD, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Because of these conditions, she experiences sensitivities that many other children don’t—like being uncomfortable with hair touching her skin. For the past seven years, she wore her hair in a braid every single day and night. She wouldn’t wear it down, have it touched, or let anyone photograph it. Over time, she developed a fear of cutting her hair or having others see it loose.

This summer (2025), Malia bravely faced all of those fears. In preparation for learning how to wash, brush, and style her own hair—skills that have been difficult to master due to her hair’s extreme length (it reached her knees!)—she made the courageous decision to cut it. 

We are so proud to have donated nearly 24 inches of her beautiful hair to Wigs For Kids. We hope it brings another little girl made of sunshine a sense of comfort, beauty, and love.

Malia constantly talks about how she wishes that the world was kinder and more understanding, especially to those who are different or children with disabilities. She loves to approach children and their families at our local library to kindly ask them questions about their wheelchair, hearing aids, or blind cane. More than once, after hearing their explanation, she will exclaim, “they have a special need just like me!”

Malia has had first-hand experience with misunderstanding and criticism or has been called “too much” due to her loud vocal tics. She has also been bullied or left out of games by her peers because other children noticed her eye-rolling or other sudden motor tics.

Malia, as well as all kids and adults who have no control over their neurological or physical disability, or who simply may “look different”, deserve to live in a world of understanding and acceptance, not stigma and exclusion. All children are capable of anything they put their mind to, especially when they are surrounded by people who love them and don’t criticize them for things they have no control over. 

Here’s to spreading the same light and love that Malia carries in her heart.

With love, 

Malia & her family 

For a glimpse into life with Malia, you can visit her family’s Facebook post here.

Thank you Malia for your giving heart!

Are you ready to be a champion for kids? Make a donation today, and plan for your next haircut!

If you are a stylist interested in helping our children, please click here for more information.

If you are interested in donating your hair, please click here for more information.

For recipient stories, please click here.

For more ways to support Wigs For Kids, please click here.