BRAVE A SHAVE: Ariel LaGrange shaves her head for cancer research

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February 5, 2010

By FARRAH JOHNSON The News and Tribune Fri Feb 05, 2010, 06:52 PM EST

Ariel LaGrange recalls the happiest moment of her life as hearing the buzzing drone of an electric razor slide across her scalp as her shoulder-length auburn hair fell to the ground on St. Patrick’s Day 2008.

Ariel sacrificed her hair to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research grants.

The 22-year-old Indiana University Southeast student and Floyd County YMCA fitness instructor had already donated 18 inches of her long, thick hair to Locks of Love — an organization that creates wigs for cancer patients with the donated tresses — prior to the St. Baldricks event at Fourth Street Live. It was the second time she’s donated her hair to the organization. But she was determined to do more for cancer research.

LaGrange was so impressed by the generosity of donors to the foundation, she decided to brave a shave a second time this coming St. Patrick’s Day and hopes to surpass her previous goal and raise even more money for childhood cancer research. As part of The Tribune’s question and answer series, LaGrange recently discussed her upcoming shave.

QUESTION: In all that you do — whether you’re teaching classes at the YMCA or raising money for cancer research — you seem very passionate. What motivates you?

LAGRANGE: I always pick things that I really believe in. I’m very passionate about the things that I do. I get really involved. All my jobs are people driven, because I just love people so much. I want to touch them and have them touch me.

Q: The first time you shaved your head in the name of cancer research, were you nervous?

LAGRANGE: I may have gotten nervous. I was scared for just about a minute. But, it was so cool. It was amazing. And being bald, people will always ask you about it and I can tell them why I did it. Hair is so tied into your identity and I was giving that up for other people.

Q: Losing your hair — even voluntarily — is often a very emotional experience. How did you react to losing your hair?

LAGRANGE: It is so difficult to lose your hair because it is your identity. But, it was the happiest moment of my life. It was so freeing. It was my ultimate sacrifice for someone else.

Q: What made you decide to shave your head again?

LAGRANGE: I volunteered at the event last year and I was so upset that I didn’t fundraise and shave again. I wanted to top what I raised the last time. For the rest of my life, I will grow and donate my hair. It’s just hair. In my lifetime, I’ll have a lot of hair to give away.

Q: Have you surpassed your goal yet?

LAGRANGE: Not yet, but there are still six weeks to go. The last time I shaved my head, I raised $500 the day of the event. One guy at the Y pulled out $200 from his wallet. I cried so hard. That’s why I do it — there is so much love from other people.

Q: What is your ultimate goal this year?

LAGRANGE: To raise as much money as possible and bring attention to the cause. St. Baldrick’s is one of the coolest events. Cancer survivors and hundreds of other people are there shaving their heads. I just want to encourage people to be more loving.

• For more information on St. Baldrick’s or to make a donation in Ariel’s name, go to www.StBaldricks.com and type “Ariel LaGrange” in the search box.