Brighten Your Day

Son Grows Hair Out For Over 2 Years To Make Wig For Mom Fighting Brain Tumor

July 30, 2022

27-year-old Matt Shaha grew out his hair for over two years to make a wig for his mother who's been battling a brain tumor.

Melanie and Matt Shaha

Melanie Shaha permanently lost her hair four years ago after undergoing radiation to treat a reoccurring brain tumor.

"I have had a recurrent benign brain tumor, a pituitary tumor, and I've had surgery twice in 2003 and in 2006," Melanie Shaha said. "I was very surprised when my tumor returned in 2017 and I had radiation and radiation took my hair. I have not had any hair since Valentine's Day of 2018."

Her son, Matt Shaha, was determined to make his mom feel like herself again.

"Not having hair, you stick out like a sore thumb and well-meaning people can say things that break your heart," Melanie said. "I don't mind being sick but I mind looking sick. I'd rather blend in and not stand out at the store."

Starting in early 2020, Matt grew out his hair 12 inches before chopping it off and paying for a company to hand tie a wig. He also paid for the wig – it cost $2,000.

The day Matt cut his hair, everyone cried tears of joy. Melanie said she felt relief that she could feel like herself again.

"The kindness, compassion and sacrifice from Matt has really been spectacular," Melanie said.

"You know, I've lost my eyebrows, lost my eyelashes, I lost my hair, so it's just been such a tremendous gift to be able to have a more normal appearance, to go places and not stand out because you look unusual, but to fit in and be beautiful. It's really great."

Watch the video below.