FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2007

CONTACT:
Cindy Hickey, Public Relations
330-489-1212
cindy.hickey@csauh.com

Jackson 6th Grader Donates Hair to Locks of Love
Kareesma Parbhoo gets 17 inch haircut at Mercy Boutique for Locks of Love

Canton, Ohio: Jackson Township resident Kareesma Parbhoo, daughter of Presina and Doogs Parbhoo, is a sixth grader at Jackson Middle School. The 11-year old has been growing her hair for four years to donate for Locks of Love. On Saturday, Dec. 8 at Mercy Boutique, hair stylist Angie Neff from Salon Mystique cut two ponytails, each 17 inches long, off Kareesma’s long dark hair.

Kareesma is no stranger to Locks of Love. This is the second time she’s made a donation to the organization. “At five and a half, Kareesma was watching TV when she noticed kids without hair and was intrigued,” said Presina. That led to her first experience with Locks of Love. Younger sister Kajal, now nine, also donated her hair when she was seven years old.

Sporting a cute angled bob, Presina says her daughter loves her new haircut.

Caption: Angie Neff, hair stylist from Salon Mystique, cut two, 17-inch ponytails from Kareesma Parbhoo’s long dark hair. Parbhoo is making her second donation to Locks of Love to give a child suffering from cancer or another hair loss disease a makeover lift.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.  Specific guidelines must be met to donate hair to the organization. For more information, visit www.locksoflove.org.

Mercy Boutique was created as a sanctuary for hope and healing. When illness takes a toll on our physical bodies, it can make an impact emotionally as well. The loss of control in appearance-related issues can have a direct effect on self-esteem and confidence. The Mercy Boutique was created as a sanctuary of hope and healing for cancer survivors and individuals with other medical conditions. A certified hair stylist is available by appointment for wig consultation and styling. The Boutique carries custom breath prostheses, mastectomy forms, bras, wigs, lymphedema pumps, compression sleeves and stockings, swim suits, head coverings, aromatherapy products, jewelry and additional gifts and accessories.

Mercy Medical Center, a nonprofit corporation of the Sisters of Charity Health System and University Hospitals Health System, operates a 476-bed hospital serving Stark, Carroll, Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas Counties and parts of Southeastern Ohio. It has 550 physicians on its Medical Staff and employs 2,500 people. Mercy operates outpatient health centers in Carrollton, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Louisville and North Canton. A Catholic hospital, Mercy Medical Center upholds the mission and philosophy of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and continues to be responsive to the needs of the community, including the provision of care to all, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, see www.cantonmercy.com.