Long hair is the hottest trend at Mater Academy Charter High School this fall.

Students and teachers at the Hialeah Gardens school have been growing their locks for a ponytail drive that will result in wigs for sick children.

``We can make a real difference,'' said Lesly Viera, the bubbly teenager who is leading the effort. ``This is going to help so many kids get their confidence back.''

Lesly should know.

She is a 17-year-old cancer survivor whose story has inspired the entire school community.

Last December, Lesly started feeling pain in her back. A belly dancer, she figured she had pulled a muscle. But when the pain persisted, Lesly and her mother went to the hospital.

It was then the doctors discovered a tumor wedged between Lesly's heart and her lungs. It was the size of a small lemon.

``It was a shock,'' Lesly recalled. ``I didn't know how it could have happened to me. I've always been such a healthy person.''

The teenager began chemotherapy immediately.

For the next four months, Lesly stayed home from school. She took classes online and over the phone.

``The whole time, I was very weak,'' she said. ``I could barely get up from my bed.''

During the chemo, Lesly lost her long dark-brown hair. At times, she was depressed. She relied on the support of her girlfriends who called and visited her daily.

``One day, I had everyone I know send her a text message,'' said Michelle Laurencio, 17. ``She got like 30 text messages that day that said `I love you.' ''

`AMAZING PARENTS'

Lesly also was thankful for her parents, Gladys Garcia and Rolando Viera. ``They were such amazing parents,'' she said. ``Every day, they did everything they could to make sure I was OK.''

In April, Lesly had a revelation: She wanted to go back to school.

Her doctors weren't expecting her to start classes so soon.

But if she had the desire, they were willing to let her try.

Lesly attended classes as often as she could -- even during the weeks when she had chemotheraphy.

``It kept me positive,'' Lesly said. ``When I was at home, I was thinking about [being sick] all the time. But at school, I was too busy with my homework to think about being nauseous.''

PLENTY OF SUPPORT

Principal Judith Marty said the entire school rallied behind Lesly.

``Here was a 17-year-old girl who has gone through more pain that most people will experience in their lifetime -- and she had a smile on her face,'' Marty said. ``She was an inspiration to everyone.''

At first, Lesly wore a wig to school. But the wig made her head itch. She started wearing a knit hat instead, but that bugged her, too.

Lesly realized she was most comfortable au natural.

``I would say to people, `At least I don't have to blow dry it or iron it,' '' she said.

In the spring, Lesly kept up with her membership in the National Honor Society.

She even aced her Advanced Placement exams in psychology and English despite having missed four months of school. The tests are among the most difficult a high-school student can take.

The cancer is now in remission.

This school year, Lesly continues to take a challenging courseload. She comes to school daily, even on days when she has chemotherapy treatments.

Lesly's dark hair is growing back. She sports a trendy pixie-style haircut that is often adorned with a jeweled clip or headband.

She has her mind set on attending Nova Southeastern University -- and then becoming an orthodontist.

She explains: ``The day I got my braces off, I just kept smiling and smiling. Then, I thought to myself, `Wouldn't it be nice to make people smile for a living?' ''

But, for now, Lesley is focused on something close to her heart: organizing a ponytail drive for Florida-based Locks of Love.

FREE HAIRCUTS

On Sunday, local beauticians will give free haircuts to anyone who donates more than six inches of hair.

More than 100 students and community members have signed up to attend. And dozens of teens and teachers from Mater plan to chop off their hair.

``I can't wait to cut my hair,'' said Veronica Hernandez, 18, one of Lesly's best friends. ``I definitely want to do this for Lesly.''

`SHE'S MY IDOL'

Said Rebecca Gutierrez, 17, who has worn her hair long all of her life: ``This is something I would only do for her. She's my idol.''

Lesly is hoping members of the community will come and donate, too. ``The more kids we can help, the better.''

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