Every two years for the last 20 years, Cunningham Elementary third-grade teacher Kimberly Cabral-Virgo has donated 12 inches of her hair to national charities that provide wigs for children battling hair loss. It’s been a tradition she adopted ever since she battled cervical cancer during her years as a young adult. On Saturday morning, she had a special guest alongside her as she made the trip to NobleMens Grooming in Turlock for her charitable haircut.
That special guest was eight-year-old Arianna Rodriguez, one of Cabral-Virgo’s students. Rodriguez explained that she was inspired to donate her hair alongside her teacher after seeing a photo of Cabral-Virgo with short hair and learning her story.
“Arianna saw a picture of me when my hair was shorter, and I said, ‘Oh, it'll be short again soon. It's almost time for me to cut it,’” explained Cabral-Virgo. “It sparked her curiosity and she started asking more and more questions. I didn't realize how much she was paying attention until her mom messaged me asking about what I do with my hair and why I donate it.”
“My teacher was saying it's interesting to donate to kids that have cancer,” Rodriguez said. “I thought of the idea that I wanted to give the kids this gift because I want them to feel pretty with their hair, so that they will be happy. And that would make me happy.”
Cabral-Virgo held back tears when listening to Rodriguez share why she decided to donate her hair.
“It’s a bit emotional because I've never had a student want to do this. Honestly, I don't know if I've ever told any of my students about this,” she said. “But sometimes you just need to get that first student interested to spread the word and get others involved to do something special like this.”
Cabral-Virgo and Rodriguez donated their ponytails to Wigs For Kids, a national non-profit of over 40 years that aims to boost the self-esteem of children suffering from hair loss stemming from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, burns and other medical causes with free wigs. Cabral-Virgo chose Wigs For Kids this year because of the fact that they do not charge for their wigs, unlike other organizations.
“I’m so proud of Arianna for joining me,” she said. “This is really such a special thing.”
