When secondary education (biology) major Nya Cherry was chosen to have her long hair cut on stage during THON as an 11-year-old in 2013, her mother, Kathleen Cherry, said her intent was to have Nya experience the magic of THON, make a personal and powerful connection with Penn State and truly understand that giving is living.
The Penn State College of Education second-year student from the Philadelphia suburbs said that plan worked quite well, and this weekend at THON she and all donors will donate their lengthy locks to Wigs for Kids.
“I remember standing on the BJC stage looking out beyond the raised stage in amazement,” Nya said. “The bright swirling lights, the pounding music, the hundreds of college students, Greek signs, dancers and the Four Diamond families was a breathtaking site. And it was so inspirational that personal goals were set right there at that moment.”
She said her goals at the time were acceptance to Penn State’s University Park campus, to keep her hair chemical-free to donate again as a Penn State student and to continue community service with a better understanding of those in need.
“I am grateful to have been selected to cut and donate my hair THON Weekend 2022 as a Penn State University Park student, with pride representing the College of Education and Eberly College of Science,” she said.
“Children with cancer face the unimaginable. Although physical appearance is not as important as personality, it contributes to a person’s confidence. A child’s focus should be on exploring the world and learning new concepts, rather than worrying about how they look. By donating my hair, I will be able to contribute to this fight in my own unique way. I can always cut my hair but being able to donate it to a child in need will make it special and give it purpose.”
Nya’s previous donations have gone to Children with Hair Loss, Pantene and Wigs for Kids.
Her current roles with THON include the rules and regulations committee and a portal closure specialist. She is a Lion Ambassador as well as a member of the College of Education Student Council, and she participates in Project Paws, Sunny State Buddies and is 2020-23 Girl Scout national delegate.
Kathleen Cherry earned College of Education degrees in 1977 and 1984 (masters) in curriculum and instruction, with principal certification and reading specialist and library media specialist certification as well. She retired in 2011, she said, but continued as a substitute teacher at each of Nya’s elementary, middle and high schools in the Methacton School District.
Kathleen had the honor of cutting Nya’s hair on stage in 2013 after being accepted into THON’s hair donor segment. “Cutting my daughter’s hair on stage helped build an even stronger bond of trust between us and solidified her connection with and desire to attend Penn State,” said Kathleen, who continued to cut others’ hair at mini-THONs in her school district. “The more hair, the more wigs, the more happy kids, which is who this is really all about.”
Kathleen will be attending this year’s THON, but not cutting. “We have come to THON every year since 2013 to see the hair cutting segment together. The energy and the connection is incredible; I cry every time,” she said. “I am sure I will be tearing up as Nya cuts 13 inches of her hair cut to donate with her heart and with the other donors to children in need.”
Nya said her early THON experience enabled her to understand her relevance and value as an individual by making a difference in the life of a child suffering with hair loss due to pediatric cancer.
“I remember feeling so happy I could contribute at this amazing philanthropic event. My hair was cut and donated previously five times; once in preschool, elementary, upper elementary (THON 2013), middle school and high school,” she said.
“My hope is that a child can regain a sense of confidence that will allow them to continue to fight their battle with cancer. No child should have to deal with any embarrassment that may come from their appearance. Although I won’t be able to physically see my hair given to a child, I know in my heart that it will provide a special feeling, support and strength to a child.”