Monticello native caps off non-profit journey by honoring late mother with hair donation
Share this @internewscast.com

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Everything changed for Monticello resident Sarah Jane German on June 27, 2017. That date is significant as it’s when her mom, Beverly, succumbed after an eight-year struggle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC).

Since then, German has founded a non-profit organization and dedicated herself to assisting other families facing similar challenges. Now, with the help of stylist Chad Keast, she is donating nearly three feet of hair, marking a remarkable milestone in her charitable journey.

The donated hair will go to a non-profit called “Wigs for Kids.” Its goal is to help children experiencing hair loss.

It’s been several years since the last time she sat in a hairdresser’s chair, and for the first time in years, she’s ready for the “big chop.”

“Honestly, my hair grows about 12-14 inches annually,” the college junior explained. “It’s not that I intentionally grow it out; I just don’t cut it frequently enough to keep up with its growth.”

She has a unique attachment to her hair and has many memories of going to Rod Sickler’s Champaign salon with her mom while growing up.

“We would come every year, get about 12 inches off, and we’d donate,” German explained.

That changed when her mom got the cancer diagnosis, and later started chemotherapy in 2014. German was only four years old.

“I remember many conversations we had about the fact that she had cancer. But one that stood out the most was the, ‘we’re not gonna be able to do each other’s hair anymore,” German said.

Shortly after Beverly’s death, German started a non-profit called “Cure ACC” in her honor. It was a way to grow support systems for others navigating their way through this deadly disease.

“People got care packages, but they had a friendly face in their corner to talk to,” German explained.

Now, she’s a rising junior at Auburn University in Alabama. Despite moving hundreds of miles away, she brought the non-profit down south with her. Last year, she donated 50 care kits to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Now, as her hair falls to the ground in Champaign, German knows it’s time to close this chapter of Cure ACC and hopefully start something new. Down the road, she is looking to start a different non-profit, perhaps focused on all terminal cancers.

If you’re interested in donating hair through “Wigs for Kids,” you can learn more information online. There are also volunteer opportunities for hairdressers looking to get involved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Two-Vehicle Collision Claims Life of Woman in Maroa, Illinois

MAROA, Ill. (WCIA) — A tragic two-vehicle collision in Maroa claimed the…

US Ramps Up Military Presence: Aircraft Carrier Deployed to Latin America Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant military development, the Pentagon revealed Friday that the U.S.…

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Takes Action to Safeguard Local Watersheds

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — As Florida’s largest open water estuary, Tampa Bay…

Charles Barkley Speaks Out: ‘These NBA Players Are Making Dumb Decisions

In a heated exchange on Thursday, former NBA star Charles Barkley took…

Anticipated Inflation Report Set for Release Following Recent Government Shutdown

This Friday marks the release of the first federal update on inflation…

Winsome Earle-Sears Engages with Marion’s Small Business Community During Virginia Governor Race

MARION, Va. (WJHL) — On Thursday afternoon, Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate…

Survey Reveals Texans’ Divided Opinions on Trump’s Immigration Policies

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) A recently released poll highlights a divide among…

Two Suspects Arrested in Waynesboro Block Party Shooting: Community Seeks Justice

WAYNESBORO, Ga. () – Authorities have apprehended two individuals in relation to…

Tennessee Governor Lee Alerts Residents to Anticipate Delays in SNAP Benefits Distribution

In a recent announcement from Nashville, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has advised…

Trump Halts Trade Negotiations with Canada Following Reagan Tariff Advertisement

On Thursday, President Trump announced the cessation of trade discussions with Canada,…

Local Veterans Commemorate Beirut Bombing Anniversary: Honoring the Fallen and Reflecting on History

In Kingsport, Tennessee, an event was recently held to commemorate the 42nd…

Grammy-Winning Artist Samara Joy Unveils Inspiration and Journey Behind Acclaimed Album ‘Portrait

LOS ANGELES – Samara Joy’s voice resonates with an enchanting allure, transporting…