Beautiful Lengths: The Kindest Cut of All

 A precious organic byproduct of the American Cancer Society SCV Unit’s Relay For Life in May was the collection of many long ponytails – donated by Relay attendees wanting to help restore a sense of normalcy and self-esteem to women affected by cancer. The dozens of shiny tresses, garnered for the Pantene Corporation’s Beautiful Lengths wig program, were secured by Janine Jones and her skilled scissors. An ACS SCV Unit super-volunteer, Look Good Feel Better program facilitator, and Leadership Council member, Jones stood for many hours that day, carefully cutting locks destined for Pantene’s wig-making magic. The American Cancer Society distributes the free Beautiful Lengths wigs at no cost to female cancer patients. A licensed cosmetologist, make-up artist, and hair stylist, Valencia resident Jones is passionate about helping others through the ACS. A mother of three, Jones lost her own mom, Sheila Veloz to breast cancer. Jones’ college student daughter Bailey is a thyroid cancer survivor.
“I was so impressed by these women who stepped up and donated their hair some of the ladies had waited several years while growing their hair out long enough to donate that day,” stated Jones who just recently received a gracious thank you letter from Pantene.
As she cut those many tresses, Jones got to know each donor, and felt humbled by their stories of how cancer motivated them to take action.
“I was incredibly moved by their selflessness and compassion,” she said. “Yes, I was exhausted after those hours of standing, cutting and restyling, but my sacrifice was small compared to what they were giving of themselves. Each donor left with a completely new hair style and most important, the knowledge that other women will benefit from their beautiful donations.”