It might not seem like it sometimes, but humans have a way of showing incredible compassion towards other humans. And when a loved one is in need, we're capable of incredible things.
A heartwarming story out of Phoenix shows us just how much a son stepped up when his mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor and lost her hair from the resulting radiation treatment.
Because cancer is often treated using radiation, and because radiation spurs hair loss, many cancer patients feel like they stick out like a sore thumb after undergoing treatment.
According to BreastCancer.org, wearing a wig can give women a sense of normalcy as they undergo treatment, adding, "A wig can also provide some privacy in that it may prevent people from asking questions about your appearance and diagnosis."
After a third bout with a benign tumor on her pituitary gland, the radiation treatment caused Melanie to lose her hair in 2018.
"Not having hair, you stick out like a sore thumb and well-meaning people can say things that break your heart," she said. "I don't mind being sick but I mind looking sick. I'd rather blend in and not stand out at the store."
During a lunch date, Melanie's now 27-year-old son Matt jokingly offered to grow out his hair to make a wig for her. At the time, his hair wasn't particularly long, so it would take awhile if he decided to do it.
It took him two and a half years, but Matt grew out his hair, never once cutting it. It was a good match, as his strawberry blond locks were a close match for his mom's natural hair color.
This screengrab shows Matt trying on the completed wig, but it also gives us an idea of what his hair would have looked like at its longest. After the growing process was complete, he cut off his hair and sent it to a wig maker.
Growing his hair was just part of the process. The second part was paying $2,000 to get a wigmaker to turn his hair into a proper wig. Fortunately, the California-based company did an excellent job.
Lots of people grow out their hair when they're younger, but Matt grew his out for an important reason. His mom is endlessly grateful for his kind gesture, and rocks his locks on a daily basis.
"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 got stand out because you look unusual, but to fit in and be beautiful," Melanie said. "It's really great."
Anyone who's been through radiation treatment or knows someone who has already understands how taxing it can be on the body, and how difficult it can be to lose one's hair.
Let us know your thoughts on this inspiring story in the comments section.
