He did not go to the hairdresser for three years: the ten-year-old Koen from Bergeijk ‘saved’ his hair. When his father got cancer, Koen let it grow. So that he could donate his long locks to the Haarwensen Foundation. And his mission was successful: it is now time to get used to a short head again.
The idea to grow his hair arose when Koen’s father was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. His father had to have his own hair shaved. Koen then decided as a seven-year-old that he would let his hair grow. Because he thinks it is important that people who lose their hair due to illness can put on a wig.
“My grandmother asked me if I wanted to let my hair grow,” says Koen. “Then I decided I wanted to donate my hair for a wig.” It took a total of about three years until Koen’s hair had reached the minimum length to be able to donate.
When that minimum length was reached, doubts struck for a while. Friends, family and of course Koen himself were used to his long hair by now. Still, Koen persevered. His grandmother had passed away, but he still wanted to cut his hair for her. After all, he had promised her. “When I was at the hairdresser I thought of grandma. I hope she was able to see it too and that she is proud,” says Koen.
Koen still has to get used to his new haircut. For example, he now often puts his hood on outside because it feels a lot colder in his neck. But it also takes a lot less time to dry his hair. “Sometimes I can’t believe that my hair is really gone. It feels a lot lighter now,” he says with a laugh. His friends also think it’s a nice action. “They were quick to joke like, ‘Are you new here?’ and ‘Do I already know you?”.
Koen’s father is now doing a lot better. He has been cancer-free for two years since last September. “That’s very important. If you get through that, you’ve done well,” says father Twan. “After 5 years you are better explained, then they assume that it is gone.” Another scan is scheduled for next month.
For now, Koen enjoys the attention he gets for his new haircut and the fact that he is helping a good cause. He’s not sure if he’ll grow his hair that long again. “I especially hope that my action inspires more people to do the same,” says Koen.