Boy Grows His Hair Out For Nearly Three Years To Donate To Kids With Cancer

Boy grows his hair for almost three years to donate to kids with cancer

This boy steals our hearts. Two years ago, 8-year old Thomas Moore of Maryland was inspired to grow his hair out for a little girl with cancer. That act of kindness ended up helping more than one child and now the boy is being honored for his amazing gesture.

Moore is 10 years old now. He decided to grow his hair out after he saw his mom watching a video of a little girl losing her hair during chemotherapy. Moore’s mom, Angie Polus, told Scary Mommy that she was watching a video about 5-year old Kyssi Andrews and her battle with pediatric cancer.

“Once I explained that she had cancer, and what cancer was, and how chemo affected the body he immediately decided he wanted to grow his hair long again and give it to Kyssi,” Polus says.

And so, Moore’s journey with growing his beautiful mane started. Moore’s mom says it took about two years and five months. Sadly during that time, Kyssi Andrews lost her battle with cancer. She died in June 2015. But, Moore’s hair grew on as he was determined to see his goal through until the end. When it got to a length he was happy with he cut it. His aunt Amber tweeted a picture of her nephew before and after the cut. The tweet has been retweeted over 61,000 times and liked 120,000 times. It’s not hard to see why.

It was quite a transformation. One that has been met with unwavering support from people around the world and the young boy’s classmates.

“Since he cut it the kids at school have been very accepting of him. His friends think what he’s done is pretty cool,” Polus says. “Thomas said he’s glad his hair doesn’t get caught in the bushes when he plays outside anymore.”

A challenge that is totally understandable for a kid with long hair, and one that was really worth it. The hair that Moore donated ended up being enough hair for three sick children to receive wigs. Kyssi Andrews’ mom couldn’t be happier for the boy that set out to help her precious little girl. She wrote on Facebook, “To know that my sweet ANGEL Kyssi is still an inspiration, even in her absence from the earth makes me one PROUD mom. Her LEGACY lives.”

For this momentous and selfless gift, Moore will be honored in a pretty big way. Moore’s mom tells Scary Mommy that her son will receive an Act of Kindness Award from retired NBA player Derek Anderson’s foundation Stamina at a gala in October.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Only four percent of national funds go towards research for childhood cancer according to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. If you’d like to donate, please visit the CURE Childhood Cancer.