In a heartwarming display of compassion, a young boy named Ethan Wells from Maryland spent nearly three years growing his hair to donate to children battling cancer. At just 10 years old, Ethan was inspired by a poignant moment he witnessed while watching a video of a little girl undergoing chemotherapy. The video featured 5-year-old Lily Parker, who was bravely facing her fight against pediatric cancer, and it deeply affected him. His mother, Laura Wells, explained to him what cancer was and how it affected the body, which prompted Ethan to take action.
A Commitment to Help
Motivated by the desire to help, Ethan committed to growing his hair long with the intention of donating it to Lily. Over the next two years and five months, his hair flourished. Sadly, during this time, Lily lost her battle with cancer in May 2015. Nevertheless, Ethan remained steadfast in his mission. Once his hair reached the desired length, he made the cut, and his aunt posted before-and-after photos on social media. The photos quickly went viral, garnering over 61,000 retweets and 120,000 likes.
Community Support
Ethan’s transformation has been met with overwhelming support from both his peers and the wider community. His mother shared that his classmates have embraced his decision, and many think his gesture is “pretty cool.” Ethan himself remarked on the practical benefits of having shorter hair, noting that it no longer gets caught in bushes while he plays outside.
A Lasting Impact
Remarkably, the hair Ethan donated was sufficient for three children to receive wigs. Lily’s mother expressed her gratitude, stating on Facebook, “Knowing that my sweet angel Lily continues to inspire others even after her passing fills me with pride. Her legacy lives on.”
Recognition and Awareness
In recognition of his selfless act, Ethan will be honored with an Act of Kindness Award from the foundation of retired NBA player Derek Anderson at a gala event next month. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness and community support, especially as September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It’s crucial to note that only four percent of national funding is allocated for childhood cancer research, a statistic highlighted by the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. For those looking to contribute to this cause, consider visiting CURE Childhood Cancer for more information.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, Ethan Wells’ journey of growing his hair to help children with cancer is a touching story of empathy and generosity. His actions not only honor the memory of Lily Parker but also provide hope to other children facing similar challenges.