Jessica's haircut

Jessica is my 8 year old daughter who has very long brown hair. She's been growing it for the past few years with the intent of donating it to Freedom Wigs, a company that makes Wigs for people with alopecia and other medical conditions resulting in hair loss.

She was inspired by a friend who donated her hair a few years ago and really wanted her hair to help others. She also thought it would be a good occasion to help raise money for someone else in need.

There are many worthy charities out there but she was really touched by Cody's story. He's a nine year old boy who goes to her school.

This is Cody's story, as told by his awesome mum Danielle:

"From the day Cody entered this world we knew life for him would be a little bit of a challenge.

The first 2 and a half years a bit of a blur. They were filled with sleepless nights and endless emergency hospital admissions. At first Cody's symptoms puzzled doctors but at the age of 2 and a half Cody was formally diagnosed with SJIA (Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis)

SJIA is an autoinflamatory disease. The immune system becomes active for reasons that are not clear. It then remains active and begins to attack healthy tissues and cells. This results in inflammation of the joints causing them to become red, swollen and painful. In addition fever and rash accrues. SJIA is associated with systemic signs such as swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, and sometimes of the lining of the heart or lungs.

This is a condition that requires lifelong constant management. Cody is medicated with methotrexate and also receives a transfusion through his portacath every 2 to 4 weeks. This infusion blocks his body from having an inflammatory response. The treatment has a long list of side affects however it is working well for Cody. We are so blessed to have found a treatment his body has responded to.

LIfe for Cody is still a constant juggling act between school, hospital appointments and uncountable hospital admissions, however Cody has the most admirable warm personality and his kindness and positivity for life can be seen in his give it a go attitude.