Young Cancer Survivor Gives Back to Others

Nine-year-old Rose Evenson, a young cancer survivor gives back to others in a special way. Rose was diagnosed with cancer as a toddler. Throughout her years of treatment, all of her hair fell out. Even though she doesn’t remember, she told her mom she wanted to grow her hair out.  Rose felt compassion at a young age for those who were going through the trauma of fighting cancer. 

Now that Rose has been in remission for five years, her dream of helping others is coming true. After growing her hair down to her waist, she was thrilled to schedule an appointment at a salon. There, her mom and sisters watched with tear-filled eyes as Rose cut off over 14 inches of her. When Rose was asked why this was important to her she said, “I have more than enough hair so I can give it to somebody who doesn’t have hair.”

This moment marked a victorious point in Rose’s journey. As her mom, Angie held a lock of Rose’s hair, she declared, “Her hair after it grew back has been a reminder of God’s goodness to us during this whole journey and that we’ve come this far.” 

Can you imagine watching your children’s hair grow back and thanking the Lord each day for his promises to comfort, guide, and be present in our troubles? It reminds me of how God loves his children, and how the Bible reminds us how God knows the exact number of hair on our heads. The average human has about 110,000 hairs. There are over seven billion people on this planet and yet, God knows each and every one of us–including the very number of hairs on our heads. What an incredible thought that he cares and loves us so much!

They collected eight full locks to give to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients. Rose included a handwritten letter to go with her locks of hair. She wrote, “I am nine right now, almost 10. I hope you have enjoyed the wig I’ve given you.”

It is incredible to have children remind us of what’s important like empathy, compassion, and giving back. 

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows,” Luke 12:7.