Hair care

MOSES LAKE — Brittany Bateman wanted to make a difference in the life of a child suffering from hair loss, so she did something tough.

She cut off her own hair.

Bateman, 15, a sophomore at Moses Lake High School, donated ten inches of hair Saturday to make a wig for a child with medical hair loss through Locks of Love.

The last time Bateman had a major haircut, she was nine years old. The experience was emotional for her. Her mom reminded her she could change her mind if she wanted to, but Bateman decided to go through with it.

"I like it," she said. "I miss my long hair, though."

She plans to let her hair grow in time for senior pictures.

Bateman's mother and Assistant Principal at Chief Moses Middle School Kristi Bateman said the experience was emotional for her as well.

"She loved her long hair," Kristi Bateman said. "It was a very brave thing to do."

Kristi Bateman said as a parent, watching her daughter do something great for another person was a wonderful experience.

In addition to working at the movie theater in Moses Lake, Brittany Bateman is involved with soccer at Moses Lake High School and plays saxophone and oboe in the high school band. She dances in Irish clogging style with Rock'n B Cloggers.

After high school, Brittany Bateman plans to attend Gonzaga University to become a physical therapist.

She participated in the Othello Relay for Life last year and the Moses Lake Relay for Life.

Two of Brittany Bateman's grandfathers had cancer and a great aunt died of cancer.

Grandmother Cheryl Olson of Othello said Brittany Bateman's grandfather was proud of her for donating her hair, even though he believes all girls should have long hair.

"For kids to give to other kids is pretty special I think," Olson said.

Even though much of the information Olson hears about teenagers is negative, caring and giving teenagers exist, she said.

Brittany Bateman said she is adjusting to her new look. When she woke up the morning after getting her hair cut, she forgot about her decision until she looked in the mirror. She didn't realize how short she cut it. In addition to the 10 inches donated to Locks of Love, the hairdresser took off two inches to style her hair.

Her friends have never seen her hair as short as it is now. For most of them, the return to school after winter break Jan. 3 would be their first time seeing her haircut.

Brittany Bateman loves having long hair, but she said she would cut it again for Locks of Love.

"It's nice to have real hair, and not horse hair, or fake hair," Bateman said.

Since 1998, not-for-profit organization Locks of Love has helped more than 2,000 children receive hairpieces.

For more information about Locks of Love, visit www.locksoflove.org.