When 12-year-old Joey Ferro saw a young boy last August who was bald from cancer treatments, he was immediately determined to find a way to help.

"It was like an arrow of hope into my heart," Ferro said, describing the moment he decided he would grow out his hair and donate it to Locks of Love.

Until last Friday, Ferro's last haircut was March 2013. His mother, Lisa Ferro, wanted him to cut his hair before he started sixth grade at Wareham Middle School in September, but after his moment of inspiration in August, he decided to grow his hair until it reached the 10 inch requirement for Locks of Love.

He knew he couldn't do anything to eradicate the cancer, but he could do his part by donating hair and making a wig for someone.

"We were constantly measuring it at home with the yardstick," said his mother, Lisa.

After filling out the requisite paper work with Locks of Love when his hair got to 10 inches he went to Michael Wayne's hair salon where it was put in four pony tails and lopped off.

When asked how he felt now that all the hair is gone, he said, "It's amazing. My neck feels a lot better."

He said he was glad he brought a hat when he got it cut on a chilly night last Tuesday. "My ears were so cold."

He only told two of his friends he was getting it cut that day, and the next day barely anyone recognized him.

"My teacher just stared at me for a minute," Ferro said.

He said he definitely wants to donate his hair again. He is also planning on following through with Locks of Love to hopefully be able to meet or speak with the person who will wear the wig from his donated hair.

If he does get a chance to meet the person he helped, he said he would tell them, "Thank you for inspiring me."