Veteran grows hair for wife battling cancer

In a remarkable display of love and devotion, David Blankenbaker, a 41-year-old American veteran, is undertaking a deeply personal and emotional journey by growing his hair to support his wife, Erin, through her fight with cervical cancer. This act of profound commitment echoes a similar gesture he made years ago for his mother, Pamela, who battled multiple sclerosis.

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He said that his wife had always loved the color of his hair and it seemed to him that it could connect them even more.

Blankenbaker, who served as a combat medic in Iraq, had maintained a short, military-style haircut for most of his life. The decision to grow his hair long was initially motivated by his mother's illness; she lost her hair during treatment, and he wanted to provide her with a wig made from his own hair as it regrew. This selfless act, though his mother has since passed away, has now taken on a new, equally poignant purpose.

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He added that he would do the same for her and that it was something much bigger than hair.

His wife, Erin, has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, enduring debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, and loss of appetite. Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of her illness, David decided to grow his hair again, this time to create a wig for Erin. He noted that Erin had always admired his hair color, and he believes this shared experience will strengthen their bond. For David, this is more than just hair; it's a symbol of his unwavering support and a tangible way to help Erin regain her confidence and feel beautiful during this challenging time. Erin is set to undergo surgery to remove the tumor and a subsequent hysterectomy, and she finds immense comfort in this unique gesture of love.

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In his opinion, everyone would make such a sacrifice for a person they love, and the most important thing for him is to see a smile and self-confidence on Erin's face again.