Truganina’s Sienna DiBattista is sporting a new hairdo after chopping off 38 centimetres of her long tresses to make a wig for a child with cancer.
The 10-year-old has been growing her hair for this very purpose for the past six years, finally taking the plunge earlier this month.
“When I was four I went to a play centre and this girl had no hair and mum explained to me it was because she had cancer,” Sienna said.
“I told mum ‘she can have my hair, mummy!’ Since then, I’ve been growing my hair until it was long enough to cut it off and donate it.
“[Cutting] it was nerve-wracking, but exciting. Now, it feels very light. It’s good to know that my hair has gone to a good cause.”
Now, children’s cancer charity Challenge is looking for a recipient to use Sienna’s hair, and the grade five Truganina South Primary School pupil hopes she will meet the girl that receives it. Sienna also raises $3240 to donate to Challenge.
Mum Kate said: “She’s very selfless and she’s always been the kind of person to care about others before herself.
“It’s nice that she’s been able to achieve one of her goals. Her plan is to re-grow it and do it again.”
Kate thanked hairdressers Hair Phase for keeping Sienna’s hair in good condition while she was growing it out, and helping with the fundraising effort.
Sienna will continue to fundraise until May 28. To donate, go to give.everydayhero.com/au/sienna-s-cut-for-kids-with-cancer
