Arkansas teen with cancer goes viral on TikTok for reaction to incredible gift

HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. – An Arkansas teen’s reaction to an incredible gift has gone viral.

Almost 5.5 million people have seen the video of Kaylee Walker being surprised with a free wig she intended to buy.

She said it meant so much to her because it caused a smile that has been harder for her to find ever since she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, two years ago.

Like any 13-year-old, Walker said getting ready is a big part of her day. Cancer treatment made her hair fall out and 6th & 7th grades more difficult.

“I used to get stared at a lot, and I feel like with hair I will just be seen as more normal and treated more normal,” Walker said. “I just want them to see me just as me.”

That is why before school starts on Wednesday, Aug. 14, she traveled more than 500 miles away to Georgia Hair Solutions.

Georgia Hair Solutions owner Diana Cowen said her politeness and sweetness impressed all her staff.

“She just had a personality that we all immediately fell in love with,” Cowen said.

The staff pitched in for one of the wigs Walker wanted. Her emotional reaction was all caught on camera. And when millions of people saw the moment on TikTok, they donated to get her the second wig she wanted too.

“Honestly, it’s more than we ever would imagine. All day we are getting in donations, and it’s allowed us to do this with other kids,” Cowen said.

Instead of self-care coming to mind first when Walker looks in the mirror, it is the care of others she sees.

“It took my breath away,” Walker said. “I was just so shocked and I was so grateful, and I still am today.”

Kaylee’s cancer has relapsed a few times traveling from her leg to her lungs and skull, but on Oct. 9 she hopes to learn she’s cancer-free.

A 14-year-old who has the same diagnosis as Walker is receiving her wig for free Friday because of the donations sent after the video with Walker.

Cowen started Georgia Hair Solutions after she developed alopecia. Now she shares the self-confidence she’s found across the globe. 100% of donations go toward getting cancer and alopecia patients free wigs. More information on donating can be found at GeorgiaHairSolutions.com .

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