A young Sydney girl who lost her hair to alopecia has been given a life-changing gift, thanks to the generosity of strangers who rallied to help after seeing her story.
Azaliah Cameron, 4, was too scared to go to school after losing her hair, but that has all changed now following an extraordinary community response.
After 7NEWS introduced viewers to Azaliah’s story, more than $16,000 was raised to help the youngster get the hair system she needed.
The family made the trip to Headcase Hair in Paddington, where Azaliah walked in wearing a frown and a hat, but came out with hair and a beaming smile.
Hair specialists Jessikha Muhm and Daniella Coulits saw Azaliah’s story and knew they had to help.
Azaliah’s mother, Tahni Brannigan, said the four-year-old struggled to understand why she was going bald.
“I knew I had to help, to be honest. Like, I feel like I’m in a position where I could,” one of the specialists said.
The pair took Azaliah through an exhaustive process, including creating a plaster mould for her future hair system. In the meantime, they fitted her with an interim wig, perfect for tying and clipping practice.
When asked what her favourite part about the hair was, Azaliah simply replied: “It’s curly.”
The entire $3,000 process was provided completely free of charge.
“The most amazing experience I’ve ever seen in my life. I had goosebumps and was trying not to cry the whole time,” Coulits said.
Her parents were beside themselves with gratitude.
“Not many people will do that. She’s taken the time to help us and Azaliah. I just want to say thank you to them,” dad Corey Cameron said.
“It’s really great to see all the support. It’s been life-changing for Azaliah,” mum Tahni Brannigan said.
Azaliah now has a message for everyone who helped make her dream come true: “Thank you for everybody for my support.”
