Cincinnati, Ohio, October 8, 2013 –In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several St. Ursula Academy students participated in the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which provides free wigs to women battling cancer.
67 students agreed to cut their long locks and donate their hair to Pantene. Pantene, in turn, collects the ponytails, creates wigs, and ships them all over the world. In order to participate, the girls had to be willing to have at least 8 inches of their hair cut. In addition to the students, one teacher and one parent also agreed to have their hair cut. Twenty local hairdressers also donated their time to ensure the success of the event.
Junior Maggie Curoe participated in the event in honor of an aunt who is currently being treated for cancer. “It felt good to donate my hair for a wig for someone who was struggling like my aunt,” said Curoe when asked why she participated.
Sophomore Shauna Reilly also agreed to have her hair cut. “The initial feeling when you cut 10 inches off your hair is to feel sad. But then, when you see a cancer patient with a wig you know that it was worth it. I miss my long hair, but I still have no regrets.”
During the hair cutting event, students heard from speakers who have battled cancer. Kimberly Listerman, recent breast cancer survivor, offered the following words of advice to the St. Ursula students, "Girls, you need to take charge of your own health, make sure you go to your preventive checks on a regular basis and if something doesn't feel right, check it out. It could save your life.”
Seniors Mackenzie Dolle and Morgan Miller spearheaded the event following their studies in Mrs. Mary Porter’s Contemporary Issues in Women’s Health Class with a goal of increasing awareness during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and providing a way for the St. Ursula Academy students to help those who are battling cancer.
St. Ursula Academy is
a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for
academic excellence and rich tradition. St. Ursula welcomes students from more
than 70 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. In 2002 the Academy was recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at
1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula
Academy and Convent since 1910. 87% of the class of 2013 earned college scholarships
totaling more than $20-million.