By Hanna Singh
As an active member of the Ruston High School dance team, student council and several other student organizations, 18-year-old Preslea St. Andre enjoys being deeply engaged in her community. She has always exhibited a passion for helping others and making a difference.
One way that she shows this is through her commitment to donating her hair to Pink Heart Funds every time it reaches the right length, a practice she has upheld for the past decade. Her donated hair is used to create wigs for cancer patients, displaying her dedication to supporting those in need.
Since she was a toddler, Preslea has devoted herself to a cause that takes a significant amount of patience. She allows her hair to grow until it reaches the appropriate length, then she donates it to Pink Heart Funds, where it is used to craft wigs for cancer patients. Her ongoing commitment to this service stems from her belief in the impact she can make.
“Knowing that the hair will eventually become a wig for a little girl, it just warms my heart,” Preslea said. “I’ve always had a passion for wanting to be involved in something bigger than myself.”
Her mother, Robyn St. Andre expressed her pride in witnessing her daughter’s dedication to making hair donations whenever possible. She also noted that Preslea’s younger sister was even inspired to follow suite and donate her hair too after years of watching Preslea.
“Seeing this play out over the years and how she’s chosen to do it for the sixth time now, it just makes me so proud,” Robyn said. “I’m proud of her character and her need to help others.”
After generously donating her hair a total of five times over the years, she has no plans of quitting now. This month, as a senior, she will make her final donation before attending college at Louisiana Tech. However, this commitment is far from over for her.
“I’m planning on doing this as long as I have hair on my head,” Preslea said. “Even if I change the color of my hair or start getting grays, I want to donate whatever I can.”
A great part of Pink Hearts Funds, is that they accept hair donations even if the hair has been treated or dyed. Preslea encourages all young women to consider making a positive impact through a donation. Her advice is to acknowledge the time it takes to grow 8-10 inches of hair, but that the wait is worthwhile knowing that the contribution goes towards helping a young girl.
