Incredible acts of love can come in the most unexpected forms. Just ask Laura Smith, who made a bold decision to shave her head to support her daughter, Mia, during a challenging time. On July 22, Mia bravely underwent surgery to remove a tumor pressing on her optic nerve and wreaking havoc on her pituitary gland, the body’s “master gland” responsible for growth and development. The urgency of the situation meant the little warrior needed the tumor removed as soon as possible. “It’s been a wild ride,” Laura, 30, shared with Babble. “Her smile is worth every hair on my head.”
During the procedure, doctors had to shave a section of Mia’s hair, creating a noticeable line that started at her forehead and extended behind her right ear—a stark reminder of her battle. Not wanting Mia to feel isolated in her experience, Laura decided to shave her own head in matching style. “It felt like the least I could do for her, especially since I felt so helpless about everything else she was going through,” she explained.
Typically, when children are hospitalized, parents rotate shifts to ensure one is always by their side. After returning from her duty at home, Laura was overjoyed to see Mia’s reaction to her new look. “She beamed with joy, and it seemed like it made her feel a little better,” Laura noted. Sporting the same unique hairstyle has helped boost Mia’s confidence; she’s now more open about her scar. “It warms my heart to see her embrace it and not want to hide it anymore,” Laura added.
Thanks to the Love What Matters Facebook page, photos of the mother-daughter duo have sparked a wave of support, with many sharing their own stories of resilience and photos of their brain surgery scars. Inspired by the outpouring of love, Mia’s aunt launched a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the family’s medical expenses. “I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their kindness, encouragement, and prayers for Mia and our family,” her dad, Chris Smith, wrote on the fundraising page. The family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received.
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In summary, Laura’s selfless act of shaving her head to match her daughter Mia’s surgery scar exemplifies the immense love a parent can show. The bond between them grows stronger through shared experiences, inspiring many others along the way.