U.S. boy grows hair for 2 years to make wig for friend with Alopecia

A 10-year-old U.S. boy has been growing his hair for two years in order to make a wig for his friend who lost her hair.

"I'm growing my hair to give to Gabby - I just want to make her happy," Tyler Boone told ABC Action News in Tampa Bay, Florida of his friend, Gabby Ruiz, who has alopecia, a disorder that causes her to lose her hair.

Having grown his hair long enough to be made into a wig, Tyler reunited with Ruiz, who now lives in Georgia, before 2016 ended.

The 12-year-old girl herself cut off 12 inches of Boone's hair and the two then celebrated by getting Tyler a brand new haircut.

Boone's hair will be donated to a nonprofit, Children with Hair Loss, to make a wig for Ruiz.

After the station posted the story on its Facebook page on Dec. 29, people around the world shared their praise for Boone and his generous gesture.

"This is so sweet, I am so happy when I hear stories like these," one wrote. "What a beautiful heart this boy has," wrote another.

Ruiz thinks her selfless friend is "a great person" too.

"He's amazing," she said.