A mother’s hair fell out owing to a benign brain tumor, her son grew his hair out and trimmed it to construct a wig for her.
Melanie Shaha of Gilbert, Arizona, began experiencing dull headaches in 2003, which physicians subsequently determined were signs of a benign pituitary brain tumor. The small gland near the base of the brain controls hormones involved in development, stress, and metabolism. Melanie’s plum-sized tumor interfered with the pituitary gland’s function.
She told TODAY, “I had surgery to remove the tumor and I had a really great outcome.” The tumor resurfaced, necessitating a second operation in 2006 to eradicate it, followed by a third recurrence in 2017, for which radiotherapy was recommended. She said, “I asked (my doctor), ‘Will I lose my hair?’ and they said ‘No.’ Three months later, I had a big shed and started losing hair. I was surprised.”
The bond between a mother and son is often unbreakable. In the case of Melanie and Matt Shaha, the bond was strengthened when the 23 year old grew out his hair to make a wig for his mom, who's been battling cancer.https://t.co/rAYY5z1KOG
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According to Cancer Council, radiation therapy can cause temporary or permenant hair loss at the area that is being treated. Melanie said, “Not having hair, you stick out like a sore thumb and well-meaning people can say things that break your heart. I don’t mind being sick but I mind looking sick. I’d rather blend in and not stand out at the store.”
Melanie’s 27-year-old son Matt cracked a joke over a family meal in 2018. Matt said, “I said, ‘Why don’t I grow out my hair to make a wig for you?’ ” He was enjoying the freedom of growing his hair out after graduating from a university with a dress code that prohibited hair length, but he got an idea.
The bond between a mother and son is often unbreakable. In the case of Melanie and Matt Shaha, the bond was strengthened when the 23 year old grew out his hair to make a wig for his mom, who's been battling cancer. https://t.co/Cf173Bni6t
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Melanie Shaha, on the other hand, did not want to burden her son with this reponsibility. She said, “I would tell him, ‘I love your hair’ and he’d say, ‘Coming soon to a head near you!’ ” Matt had grown 12 inches of hair by March 21, enough for a wig. He and a few coworkers went to his mother’s house and cut it all off to make a wig.
Melanie said that they were all very excited when Matt’s hair was being cut and they cried. Matt’s hair was transferred to Compassionate Creations in Newport Beach, California, where Melanie received a hand-tied wig in June.
Veronica Balch, co-founder of Compassionate Creations, said, “The family was such a joy to work with. When someone selflessly shaves their head for a family member, it makes what we do even more special.” Melanis absolutely loves her wig and is grateful for her son taking this step for her. She said, “The color is spectacular and we had it cut and styled with a hairdresser. Matt said it looks great on me.”
She added, “It sure fills your emotional cup.”
