A simple haircut turned into a heartwarming act of kindness when five-year-old Dorothy Koschak of White House decided to donate her long locks to children in need.

Dorothy had only ever had one small trim before, so her hair had been growing for years. One afternoon after kindergarten, she came home and surprised her mom, Carianne, with an unexpected announcement: “I want to cut my hair.”

Carianne was taken aback — Dorothy was not one to love haircuts — but she saw a perfect opportunity to “feed two birds with one scone” by suggesting they donate the hair. That’s when Dorothy shared her reason: she wanted to give her hair to Cora, her close friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. Though Cora wouldn’t be the one receiving the hair, Dorothy’s motivation came straight from her love for her sweet friend.

The two families share a very special bond. Carianne met Katie, Cora’s mom, three years ago when Katie became her very first balloon client. Their connection quickly grew into friendship — not only for the moms but for their entire families. Carianne’s son now takes drum lessons with Katie’s husband, and their children have become very close. Through Cora’s cancer journey, Carianne’s family has found many ways to support them, and Dorothy’s haircut was one more beautiful expression of that love.

When haircut day arrived, Dorothy was all smiles! The team at Giggles & Glam in Hendersonville made it a fun and exciting experience as nine inches of Dorothy’s hair were cut and prepared to send to Children With Hair Loss, a nonprofit that provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically related hair loss.

“She had the biggest smile on her face,” Carianne recalls. “She was so proud of herself, and we were, too. She could have easily said no or decided not to cut so much, but she was determined.”

Dorothy’s donation will go on to help a child she’ll never meet. Her family’s only hope is that the recipient feels confidence, courage, and love because of her gift. Carianne hopes her daughter’s act inspires others to do the same.

“Kindness matters,” she says. “It doesn’t take a lot to make someone feel loved or supported.”

For Dorothy, this likely won’t be her last donation — she’s already planning to grow her hair again and do it all over.

In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, Dorothy’s sweet gesture reminds us what true community looks like — neighbors who care deeply, friendships that feel like family, and simple acts that make a lasting impact.

Sometimes, compassion begins with the smallest hands — and a single haircut can make the world a little brighter.

Check out our most recent story about Cora's journey here.