A lot of children will do almost anything for their best friend. But 9-year-old Alysa Vaughn recently went a step beyond most, shaving off her hair in a show of support.

Vaughn’s best friend, Deanna Meade, was diagnosed with cancer in December. Since then, Meade has had numerous radiation treatments at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The treatments caused the 8-year-old to lose her hair.

That’s the same Deanna Meade community members have seen the picture of around the county. P.U.S.H. (Praying Until Something Happens) has become a frequent sign on cars and shirts, as area residents join the effort to support Meade and her family through this ordeal.

County residents were able to see the person they are ‘PUSH’ing for in person lately though. For the past few weeks, Deanna had a break from treatments and came back home.

While at home, Meade headed back to classes at Pomaria-Garmany Elementary School.

And to help her friend feel more comfortable, Vaughn decided not to let Deanna be the only bald-headed student at the school.

“She said she was glad she was not the only bald person,” said Vaughn.

Vaughn said she laughed the whole time she was getting her 10 inches of hair taken off.

She continues laughing as she adds that it will grow back.

But Vaughn’s and Meade’s mothers said they cried the entire time the girl’s head was being shaved.

The only negative aspect of the experience that Vaughn had to report was the necessity for a hat. She has found out that to protect from either the cold, or a sunburn, constant hat wearing is essential.

Also in a show of support, Meade’s mother, Meagan Grimsley, had her head shaved.

The head shavings occurred at a St. Baldricks, a fundraising event to help conquer cancer in children.

As Vaughn’s hair begins to grow back, her friend is beginning a new fight.

Meade headed back to St. Jude’s in Memphis, Tenn. over the weekend and will begin four months of chemo treatments this week.