Hair donation a family affair

 PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A local little girl and her mother have joined other family members in remembering a loved one by giving gifts to strangers.
Rachel Ellis, the 4- year-old daughter of Roger and Colleen Ellis, of Presque Isle, joined her mother in getting a haircut to benefit those suffering from hair loss due to illnesses, such as cancer.
    “We donated to Locks of Love in memory of Rachel’s great aunt, Imogene Holmes,” said Colleen Ellis.
Rachel is just one of Holmes’s nieces and nephews who have donated to Locks of Love, said Ellis.
“Rachel’s cousins Mandy Putnam, Adam Murchison, Kristina and Kimberly Tompkins, Timothy McGrath and Imogene’s great granddaughters Kayli and Kori Malenfant have all made donations to this wonderful cause,” said Ellis.
At present, Rachel’s cousins Devin and Aidan McGrath-Conwell and Bud Robbins are still growing their hair and hope to make donations of their own in the near future.
Rachel, who’s fond of ponies, sported shorter ponytails in a photo shortly after having her hair cut, grinning for the camera, glasses drawing attention to her bright blue eyes. Mother and daughter had approximately 18 inches each cut off, to be donated to Locks of Love, an organization that designs wigs for those suffering hair loss due to illness.
“Rachel’s hair grows fast, about an inch a month. She’s already talked about doing it again,” said Ellis. “We’re happy to be able to help others.”