Urbana’s Cobie Koepenick let his hair grow for two years for Locks of Love. Pictured here (from left) are Cobie; his mother, Nicole; and Cobie’s younger brother, Tanner.
When 11-year-old Cobie Koepenick found out his family’s friend, Grace, had cancer and lost her hair, he wanted to do something to help. Cobie, who lives in Urbana, let his hair grow for two years for Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy in treating cancer or other medical conditions and cannot afford a hair prosthetic.
Locks of Love helps children to regain their confidence and gives them a stronger sense of self with new hair. The organization provides hair prostheses to children in the United States and Canada for free or on a sliding scale fee, depending on their financial need. The retail price of hair prosthetics is between $3,500 and $6,000.
“It’s been something he’s really wanted to do,” said his mother, Nicole, whose own mother had breast cancer.
“It makes me feel really good,” said Cobie, “knowing that you’re helping someone with cancer who doesn’t have any hair.”
The experience of growing out his hair for Locks of Love has helped him to learn about cancer, said his mother.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” said Nicole. “It’s been very satisfying.”
Donations of hair in a ponytail or braid need to be at least 10 inches long in order for Locks of Love to accept them, because in the process of making a hairpiece, up to 2 inches of hair are lost. The majority of kids who receive hairpieces are girls, who usually want long hair.
Cobie will probably get his hair cut in this month or next. Nicole said she recently took out the ruler and measured Cobie’s hair, which is now about 10 inches long.
When asked about his experience with growing out his hair, Cobie said that it made summers incredibly hot. However, having long hair is an advantage in the winter, he said, because he does not have to wear a hat. Cobie also said his friends sometimes tease him and tell him he looks like a girl with his long hair, but he knows they are only joking. Overall, his friends have been supportive of his efforts to help Locks of Love.
Nicole said she hopes that Cobie’s experience of growing out his hair will help to bring more awareness to Locks of Love. She said she also hopes Cobie’s story will inspire other kids to donate their own hair to help people with cancer. “It’s really easy to help,” she said.
In school, Cobie’s favorite subjects are science and math. He also likes to go swimming, play with friends, and do yard work for his dad. This summer, Cobie plans to spend time at the hospital to visit cancer patients.
“My whole family is really happy with what he’s doing,” Nicole said. “It’s such a great feeling” to know that her son is making a difference in the lives of people with cancer who have lost their hair.
To donate hair or give a financial donation to Locks of Love, contact the organization by calling 561.833.7332 or emailing info@locksoflove.org.