Patients who undergo chemotherapy and other treatments will experience many unpleasant symptoms: nausea, vomiting, constant pain, etc. One of the most well-known, however, is hair loss.

Most cancer patients who are women will have two options regarding their hair: shave it all in the beginning, or watch it fall out bit by bit as treatments progress. Both are constant, visual reminders of the disease and the hold it has on their bodies. On top of all of their physical pain, they now have added self consciousness to deal with. It’s a lot of change in a short period of time, and can have negative effects on a person’s outlook of their situation.

Some women own it, and have no problem going bare with their treatment. But not everyone is the same, and I know that if I was in that position, I’d at least want to be able to see a healthy me every time I looked in the mirror, even if I didn't feel healthy on the inside.

That’s why the College of Charleston Chapter of Chi Omega is teaming up with Lordis Loft Salon for it’s first ever “mass ponytail drive.” If that doesn't make any sense to you, the gist of the event is this: those with long enough hair will be able to donate an 8” (or more) ponytail to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which then takes the tails and makes wigs to be given to women suffering hair loss from cancer treatments - for free.

Imagine being able to try on any look you wanted, or have your same color and cut back, in an authentic wig. No polyester fibers - actual hair. “It was very hard when my hair started falling out. It really takes away who you are when you look in the mirror,” said one breast-cancer survivor. Thanks to Beautiful Lengths, she was able to feel like herself again, and at no cost.

Donations are also a symbol of hope. It takes 8-15 ponytails to create a wig, meaning that for every wig there are that many women who are thinking about those suffering. Each wig is a symbol of the love and support for those battling one of the toughest and most draining illnesses there is.

If you have hair long enough, and would like to take part in this event, register here for your chance to change a life. The drive will be going from 11am-5pm on Sunday, November 21st, and the stylists of Lordis are donating their time to come in and make the cut, with just a $29 styling fee (must be paid in cash). If you or someone you know has 8" or more of un-dyed or semi-permanently color-treated hair, please take this opportunity to show your support and donate, or at least help spread the word.

Cancer has touched all of us in some way, shape or form. It’s as simple as one cut - but it can make all the difference.