But that’s what eight-year-old Ava Lyon has done, by donating her beautiful long locks to the Cancer Council for wigs, and she raised $2000 for research into the little known Prader Willi Syndrome in the process.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex non-inherited genetic disorder which affects approximately one in every 15,000 people worldwide. 

Ava was diagnosed with PWS at just a few months old, and her life has been affected in many ways.

Some of the effects of PWS include low muscle tone, cognitive disabilities, challenging behaviours and a chronic feeling of hunger than can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity.

Ava’s mother Melanie Lyon said she had an uncomplicated pregnancy aside from a placental breakdown toward the end that was only detected on the day of Ava’s birth.

The diagnosis of PWS was heartbreaking for Ms Lyon and her husband Clint, however they resolved to push Ava to succeed to the best of her abilities, regardless of her condition.

It has not been an easy road for young Ava, but she has grown into a strong and independent girl.

With the support of the Endocrine Unit, Ava was placed on a growth hormone injection that she takes six nights a week to build up her muscles.

These hormones enabled Ava to build the strength to walk at 19 months old. 

President of Mount Isa Rotary Club Tracy Pertovt, owner of Shut Up and President Nominee of Mount Isa Rotary Club Jon and Rotarian Marie Breen joined Miss Ava at Shutup and Cut to cut off 40 centimetres of her beautiful hair to donate to the Cancer Council for them to make wigs for cancer patients.

“In the process Ava raised $2139 for Prader Willi Syndrome which Ava has,” Ms Pertovt said.

“We would also like to wish Ava a very happy 8th birthday for yesterday and we think she is a Rotarian in the making,”

Ms Pertovt said Ava showed the Rotary qualities of “service above self” and the “four way test”.