Locks of Love FoundationFERRUM, Va. -- Ferrum College alum
Tyler Lee '14 recently donated hair to the Locks of Love Foundation. Lee sheared off 10.5 inches of his hair, and donated it to the public non-profit organization. Locks of Love hairpieces are donated to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
Many children suffer from an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, which causes the hair follicles to shut down. In addition to the loss of scalp hair, many also lose their eyelashes, eyebrows and all body hair. This hair loss is permanent in most cases, and there is no known cause or cure. Other recipients have been victim to severe burns, cancer survivors, or suffer from any number of skin disorders that cause permanent hair loss.
"There are many different agencies in today's society that help people", said Lee. "I try to do my best with what God has blessed me with and use it to give back to others. Ferrum's motto, NOT self BUT OTHERS, is amazing and I try to live by that every day. I chose to grow my hair out for some very special people in my life, one of which has passed away. The first one is my grandmother Barbra Lee, and the second is Sue Marsh, the grandmother of one of my best friends and a former Ferrum teammate Michael Marsh. My aunt Debbie Tefteller lost her battle with cancer; she was one of the sweetest people in my life."
Lee played for Ferrum's men's tennis team from 2011-14, and also served as Student Government Association President. He is currently employed by Carilion Health Clinics as a Patient Financial Advisor and resides in Franklin County not far from the Ferrum campus.
