Four-year-old Brooklyn girl gives back by donating hair

February 19, 2016 Jaime DeJesus

Photo courtesy of Robert Cavaliere

Share this:

A generous four-year-old Brooklyn girl has learned at a young age the importance of giving back, thanks to her mother.

Kaitlyn Marie Fegan, a pre-kindergarten student at P.S. 209, 2609 East Seventh Street, recently received her first haircut, but it held special significance because Kaitlyn subsequently donated her hair to Children with Hair Loss (CWHL), an organization that provides children who need them with high quality hairpieces, made by its own staff using the latest technology in the hair replacement industry.

Kaitlyn’s mother Jennifer, who also donated her locks, was inspired by both sick family members and friends.

“My mother was very sick for half of my adult life and one of the side effects was that her hair got very thin. It always bothered her, but she never complained. At first, I never thought to do anything,” she said.

When one of Jennifer’s close friends was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, she was inspired by her positive outlook during her battle.

“She was very open about it on Facebook. I don’t get to see her often but I read her posting about her journey during this difficult time in her life,” she said. “She had been so courageous and brave through whole thing. She was always never negative and very inspirational.”

With Kaitlyn’s hair growing out, her mother presented her with an idea. “I suggested that we not cut it, but keep it growing as long as we can with the idea of donating it, and that’s what we did,” Jennifer said.

Once the pre-K student was told how something as simple as a haircut could make such a significant impact, she was eager to help.

“I tried to put it in simple terms. She had never gotten a haircut ever so I was afraid she would be scared. I said, ‘Listen, we are going to get a haircut and there are sick children that don’t have hair’ and I told her it would be nice if we cut our hair and gave it to people who need it,” Jennifer explained. “She immediately said yes and got excited. She felt like big girl. Anything that makes her feel like she was helping, she wants to do. And she ended up loving it.”

Kaitlyn, who loves school and friends, is already developing a passion for coming to the aid of others.

“She’s always looking to help people in class. She’s the first one to raise her hand and help,” she said. “We’re proud of her that she’s growing up to be a fine child who is always looking to be good and do good. This was a perfect example of what she does and we hope she continues that great work.”

Besides helping out, Kaitlyn also loves doing homework, her mom said. She comes home every day, doing puzzles, drawing and playing with her pretend kitchen. She also gets along with all her classmates. “She loves the whole class. She’ll tell you everyone is her best friend,” she said.

The donation was made on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of West End/Marine Park/Dyker Heights

This is just the beginning of a road of giving for little Kaitlyn.

“During Christmas time, we decide to donate toys to organizations and kids that need it,” Jennifer said. “We are always trying to do whatever we can.”