5 year-old donates hair to others

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Life can be tough for military families especially on the children. While the experiences can be difficult, military children often show a caring for others that goes beyond their years.

Many of these "military brats" go on to do great things later in life, such as Bill Cosby, Mark Hamill, Michael Strahan, Lionel Richie, Jessica Alba and so many more who began their lives as military children.

One local 5 year-old military child has added her milestone of greatness by giving a part of herself to help sick children feel better about themselves. Elizabeth DeSmith, or Ellie, donated 10 inches of her hair to a non-profit organization called Locks of Love, who provides hairpieces to children under 21 who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

"Since she was born Ellie only had two haircuts for some minor trimming. Just before she turned 5 she decided that she wanted to donate her hair to sick kids," said Maj. Brad DeSmith 2nd Bomb Wing chief wing exercise and evaluations. "She didn't shed a tear when the salon took the 10 inches from her hair. In fact she was excited about helping other kids and getting a new look."
Ellie's selfless act is the epitome of what it means to be a military child. She did what she thought would help someone else.

"I had fun, I got to give my hair to sick kids who needed it," said Ellie. "I liked that I helped someone who needed something."

Her act of caring may not make her or her family millions of dollars but her donation gives another child their self-confidence and childhood back. Ellie has left her own mark on the stone of military child greats.

Her service to others reflects what each service member gives to their country, service before self.

For more information on the Locks of Love program or to make a donation visit www.locksoflove.org