This is it, folks. On Friday the 27th, after 17 months without a haircut and an equal amount of time sketching out my ASCM patients, I'll be donating my hair to be made into a wig for a child undergoing cancer treatment.
"But Dan," you may ask, "I don't have long lush locks like yourself. How can I support you and help prevent the spread of evil cancer? Also, you're amazing."
Well, thank you, I've always suspected. If you want to support this endeavor you can do so with your wallet. More specifically, with the money in your wallet. Or potentially bank account. Or maybe your line of credit? Prime rates are low. Listen, I'm not going to ask where you get the money from, it's none of my business, I just want you to know where you can send it. Seriously, beg your parents.
Now let's take a moment to think of that one little girl who will get to be the prettiest little girl in the world!
tl;dr: The above, but in serial graphic form
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is your hair? How long does it have to be to donate it?
It has to be 10" to donate it. As for how long it is, I have no idea. The ruler maxed out at 12", so somewhere thereabouts but longer.
How short is your hair going to be?
As short as they'll let me make it. Maybe I'll go for the handsome Picard.
How much are you trying to raise?
The goal is $500. Help me reach it!
Are you also going to shave your beard?
Maybe. Haven't decided yet.
When was the last time you got a haircut?
I got a trim in August 2010 just before med school started, but my hair was still kinda long then. The last time my hair was actually short was for my interviews in March 2010. So I'm closing in on two years since short hair.
Can we hold up a mirror to your face and watch you anguish as the hair you've grown is sliced off your scalp, viciously?
Ha ha. No. You can hold up a mirror, but I've done this before, so I'm used to losing it all in one fell swoop.
Wait, you've done this before?
Yes. Twice. In fact, this has been the reason I've grown my hair as long as it is. So I could shave it off and donate it again.
You mean you don't like it when your hair is long?
Well, kinda long is OK, but it's been way too long for way too long. Time for it to go. I would have tried to cut it back in October but Smiling Over Sickness' event is this Friday.
Will you be waxing?
I tried waxing last year and felt per-pubescent. So probably not. Enough guys waxing, so you'll be able to get your jollies elsewhere.
In your opinion, do you look better with your hair long or shaven?
Shaven, definitely. But give it two weeks to grow on you (pun intended!). In the interim I go through this phase where I look like Edward Norton in "American History X". And not the good, reformed Edward Norton. The filmed in black-and-white Edward Norton.