As a healthcare professional I have been very involved most of my life in numerous healthcare issues from quality laboratory testing, to personnel standards, to safety and noise regulations, to educational requirements, and to contributing to many medical organizations and professional societies.

But recently something so simple touched me so significantly. Something anyone of us can so easily be a part of and yet something which can so dramatically bring some joy to those stricken with serious health ailments.

This past June I chose my favorite hair salon, Richard James in Williston Park, and decided to let down my French twist and have my long locks cut. But I could not imagine seeing the hair swept away on the salon floor, so I asked the hairdresser how much would need to be cut to donate a hairpiece.

At least 10-inches I was informed and then quickly told about Locks of Love which provides "custom, vacuum-fitted hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children with long-term medical hair loss."

In one quick tie of a ponytail and snip, it was done - I was handed my donation.

I called the Locks of Love Board of Directors at 1-(888) 896-1588 and completed the donation form off the Internet at www.locks of love.org. My hair was mailed immediately to Locks of Love at 2925 10th Avenue North #102, Lake Worth, FL 33461 as per their simple instructions.

I received my "Certificate of Appreciation" within a week with a note: "Tell someone you love about Locks of Love - children will benefit from your loving hair donation, thank you!"

That request prompted this note. When you decide to style your hair and it involves a cut of significant inches, give a significant donation in the shape of your ponytail. It will bring a smile to a child who will adorn a pretty hairpiece and regain some quality of life in at least feeling good about how she looks.

It is worth the hair. It is worth knowing you so easily brought a smile to a child in need.

Angela Tomei Robinson