Melanie Shaha lost her hair in 2003 due to a benign brain tumor. So her kid grew out his hair to create her a wig.
Shaha of Gilbert, Arizona, began experiencing dull headaches, which physicians subsequently determined were signs of a pituitary brain tumor.
Mother loses her hair while battling cancer, so her son grows it out to make her a wig.
The tiny gland at the base of the brain regulates hormones involved in growth, stress, and metabolism.
Melanie’s plum-sized tumor had an impact on the pituitary gland’s function.
“I had surgery to remove the tumor and it went pretty well,” the mother of six told TODAY Parents.
The tumor reappeared, necessitating a second surgery to remove it in 2006, followed by a third recurrence in 2017 for which radiotherapy was prescribed.
“I asked (my doctor) if I would lose my hair.
Melanie Shaha recalls, “and they said ‘No.’” “Three months later, I had a massive shed and began losing hair.” “I was astonished,” says the National Cancer Institute. “Radiation can induce hair loss in treated areas.”
“You stand out like a sore thumb without hair, and well-meaning people might say things that shatter your heart,” she continued. “I don’t mind being sick; I just don’t like appearing sick.” At the supermarket, I’d rather blend in than stand out.”
Melanie’s 27-year-old son Matt made a joke over a family lunch in 2018.
“I suggested that I grow out my hair to construct a wig for you.”
” he told the publication. Matt was enjoying the freedom of growing his hair out after graduating from a university with a dress code that limited hair length, but “something clicked.”
Melanie Shaha, on the other hand, did not want to burden her son. “I’d say, ‘I adore your hair,’ and he’d add, ‘Coming soon to a head near you!’” ‘” she explained.
Matt had grown 12 inches of hair by March 21, which was enough for a wig. He and a few coworkers went to his mother’s house and chopped it all off.
“We were overjoyed, and when they started chopping, we bawled,” Melanie added.
Matt’s hair was transferred to Compassionate Creations in Newport Beach, California, where Melanie received a hand-tied wig in June.
“The family was such a joy to deal with,” said co-founder Veronica Balch. “That makes what we do even more remarkable when someone selflessly shaves their head for a family member.”
Melanie is in love with her wig. “The color is stunning, and we got it trimmed and groomed by a professional,” she remarked. “That looks excellent on me, according to Matt.”
Melanie recognized that Matt’s present would be difficult to top. “It definitely fills your emotional cup.”
