What started as a joke turned into one of the most amazing gifts a mother could ever receive from her son.
Matt Shaha, from Arizona, spent nearly three years growing out his hair to make a wig for his mother, Melanie, who lost her hair after receiving radiation treatment.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Matt said. “She gave me the hair in the first place.”
Melanie had been battling a benign brain tumor for years. She had two surgeries in 2003 and 2006 to remove the tumor. But in 2017, when the tumor came back, she had to start radiation treatment.
“I asked my doctor, ‘Will I lose my hair?’ and they said ‘No,’” Melanie said.
But three months later, she did lose her hair.
“It’s hard when you don’t have hair. People can say things that hurt your feelings,” Melanie told Today. “I don’t mind being sick, but I mind looking sick. I’d rather blend in at the store.”
Not long after Melanie started losing her hair, her 27-year-old son Matt jokingly said he would grow out his hair and make a wig for her.
Even though Melanie thought it was a sweet offer but didn’t want to burden him, Matt was serious about it. He spent the next two and a half years growing his hair long enough to make a wig.
When Matt’s hair was long enough, he and a few coworkers went to his mom’s house to cut it off. Melanie said, “We were super pumped, and when they started cutting, we bawled.”
Matt even paid $2,000 to have the wig made. They found a wigmaker who hand-stitched the hair to make it lighter and more comfortable. Once the wig was delivered, Melanie had it cut and styled.
“Seeing her in it was the first time I had seen my mom look like that since she lost her hair, so it’s been about four years,” Matt said.
Melanie loved her new look and felt deeply touched by her son’s gift. “It sure fills your emotional cup,” she said.
Look at the joy on Melanie’s face! Even Matt is beaming with happiness. I love this for both of them and their family.
Please share this heartwarming story.
BREAKING: Kate Middleton Announces She Has Cancer
Tonight, the Princess of Wales shared in a heartfelt video message that at the age of 42, she has received a cancer diagnosis and is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Filmed at Windsor on Wednesday, Catherine expressed the immense shock of this news, emphasizing that she and William have been diligently navigating this situation privately, prioritizing their young family’s well-being.
Seated amidst daffodils and blossoming spring trees, she spoke earnestly, «This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.»
«As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.»
During her January abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace initially stated it was non-cancerous. They reiterated tonight that no tests had indicated cancer. However, subsequent post-operative tests revealed its presence. This evening’s revelation will undoubtedly reverberate globally, following weeks of speculation and unfounded conjecture about her health. It presents a new challenge for the British Royal Family, coinciding with King Charles’s own cancer battle.
The princess is currently following a recovery plan, having begun chemotherapy in late February. Consequently, Prince William withdrew from a memorial service honoring his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece. Kensington Palace has emphasized against speculation regarding the type of cancer.
In her video statement, the Princess appeared casually attired in a striped Breton top paired with jeans. She said: «I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.»
«In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and, at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.»
«We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.»
Even amid her personal turmoil, she had a message of hope for others battling cancer. She went on, saying, «At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.»
We extend our well-wishes for a swift recovery to Catherine, Princess of Wales. Recently, the princess was seen in public for the first time since her surgery, accompanied by her mother. View her photo here.
Preview photo credit GEORGE ROGERS/SIPA/East News
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