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Growing Hair Is Labor Of Love

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By JESSICA BALANZA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2008

FOREST HILLS - Amber Talamantez says she donates her hair to Locks of Love because it makes her feel happy.

The 12-year-old said she saw a video in kindergarten about the Locks of Love organization and how it provides wigs for children with cancer.

"I thought it would be nice to help the community and help anyone that does not have hair to have their own beautiful set," she said.

Amber has donated hair three times; first 10 inches, then 12 inches and recently 17 inches.

Amber has been getting her hair cut at Terry's Hairmasters, 2638 W. Hillsborough Ave. Stylists there ask anyone cutting off more than 10 inches of hair whether they would like to donate it to Locks of Love, said Betty Relano, Amber's grandmother.

Amber said she expects to continue. "I love doing it; it makes me feel happy."
Relano said her granddaughter attends gifted classes at Stewart Middle School, is on the honor roll, has perfect attendance and volunteers at Chamberlain High School.

"Because of her academic success and her civic-mindedness," Relano said, the People to People Student Ambassador program has invited Amber to visit France, Belgium, Holland and England this summer.

Jessica Balanza can be reached at

jbalanza@tampatrib.com or

(813) 865-1518.

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