An Arizona mom lost her hair after undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, so her son made her a wig out of his hair.
Melanie Shaha lived a happy and content life with her six children until she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003.
“The doctors first discovered my tumor in 2003. It was in my pituitary gland,” Melanie told Fox 26 Houston.
“I have had a recurrent benign brain tumor, a pituitary tumor, and I’ve had surgery twice in 2003 and in 2006. I was very surprised when my tumor returned in 2017 and I had radiation and radiation took my hair. I have not had any hair since Valentine’s Day of 2018,” she added.
The mom of six further said that she went through a lot of hardship during her treatment, and the worst part was losing her hair and getting unwanted attention from people.
“Not having hair, you stick out like a sore thumb, and well-meaning people can say things that break your heart,” she told Today. “I don’t mind being sick, but I mind looking sick. I’d rather blend in and not stand out at the store.”
The outlet reported that when her tumor returned in 2017, and she underwent radiation therapy, Melanie became extremely heartbroken and thought her life was over.
But her therapy made her feel better. Also, seeing his mother in a sad state, Melanie’s 27 years old son decided to cheer her up.
“I said, ‘Why don’t I grow out my hair to make a wig for you?'” said Matt Shaha. “It’s a no-brainer,” he added. “She gave me the hair in the first place.”
The Arizona mom said the day his son cut his hair; everyone cried tears of joy.
“You know, I’ve lost my eyebrows, lost my eyelashes, I lost my hair, so it’s just been such a tremendous gift to be able to have a more normal appearance, to go places and not stand out because you look unusual, but to fit in and be beautiful,” said Melanie. “It’s really great.”
According to the outlet, it took Matt almost three years to grow his hair, and he chopped them off with the help of his coworkers.
“We were super pumped, and when they started cutting, we bawled,” said Melanie.
“Then, they shipped the hair to Compassionate Creations in Newport Beach, California, where it was assembled into a hand-stitched wig.” Wrote Insider.
Melanie Shaha concluded her interview with TODAY by saying now that she is not bald anymore, she feels alive again, and everyone loves her look.
“My family stood by me when I needed them the most, and I cannot thank my son Matt enough for what he did for me. He has always been a caring son, but his gesture is so close to my heart, and I am so grateful for everything.”
What are your views on Matt and Melanie’s heart touching story? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: TODAY – Fox 26 Houston
