How many of us would voluntarily, without having a nervous breakdown, shave our head? For many women, our hair is a symbol of our beauty, an external expression of our personality. My sister has the perfect hair, the kind that others spend many hours and dollars trying to achieve - perfect smooth, blond curls that look fabulous in any style.
At the age of 30, Allison was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was caught extremely early and Allison was told she had a great chance of recovery, with the removal of one ovary and by undergoing chemotherapy. She said “Hair or life? It wasn’t a difficult choice.” Instead of mourning the inevitable loss of her long locks, she took out the clippers and sported her first buzz cut before the first strand fell. Two weeks into her treatment, she was completely bald.
Although prepared for losing her hair, she wasn’t prepared for the reaction she received in public. Strangers, assuming that her new appearance was an “in your face” fashion or political statement, would stare, chuckle, and make snide and critical comments. Regardless, Allison sported her unadorned head, without hat or scarf, bravely challenging society’s notion of female beauty.
Twelve years later, Allison remains healthy and vibrant, enjoying her life as a playwright, wife and mother of two boys. This week, Allison, along with her husband and her nine-year old son, voluntarily shaved her head again, this time to raise money for children’s cancer research. She is working on a play based on her experience, and boldly walks around town sporting her new look, inviting comments from strangers with her lapel pin that says, “Ask me why I’m bald.” I’ve never seen her more beautiful!
Winning Essay for 2009 “Who’s Your No.1 Lady?” National Contest sponsored by HBO, YWCA and Botswana Tourism Board
