NORWOOD PARK — Abigail Mendoza, 11, walked into Victoria's Beauty Boulevard in Norwood Park with her mother Judy Mendoza and her younger sister Amanda for the first major haircut of her life.
At five years old, two years after being diagnosed with cancer, Abigail decided that once her hair was long enough, she would donate it to Locks of Love for a child who, like her, had lost their hair during chemotherapy. Six years after making the decision, Abigail made good on her promise Wednesday evening.
"I wanted to help kids who lost their hair like I did when I was getting treatment," the sixth grade John W. Garvey student said. "It feels good to be able to help someone out."
After her hair was trimmed, a beaming Abigail held up her ponytail and smiled.
She's come a long way.
In February of 2007, at the age of 3, Abigail was given a 30 percent chance of survival when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma.
For the next 14 months, Abigail underwent seven cycles of chemotherapy, three surgeries, a stem cell transplant, 12 radiation sessions and a six-month clinical trial involving immunotherapy. During that period, Abigail lost all her hair.
In April 2008, Abigail and her family were notified by doctors that her cancer could no longer be detected.
"It was a blessing to hear the news," Judy Mendoza said. "We've been enjoying the blessing of Abigail being able to live an active cancer-free life."
In 2013, Abigail celebrated five years of being cancer free by setting a goal of raising $5,555.55 for the American Childhood Cancer Organization, an organization that provides programs and services for families of children and adolescents with cancer. Abigail exceeded her goal, raising more than $11,800.
"During Abigail's treatment, we met children who lost their lives during the battle, and it's difficult," her mother said. "As a family, this is our way to help further research and help other families get the support they need."
Although Abigail has vague memories of her early childhood and the treatment, she remembers the three-week stretches of hospital visits. She plans to continue raising money and awareness for cancer research. For her 10-year cancer free anniversary she plans to raise, $10,110.10 in effort to let other children with cancer know that they have her support and to "never give up."
Michael Mendoza was proud of his daughter.
"It comes full circle. She had cancer and lost her hair and is now donating it to other children who are going through what she went through. I know a lot of kids look up to her and admire her. She's an inspiration."
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