Should He Keep His Ponytail? South Tampa Vet Lets You Decide

In an effort to raise funds for diabetes research and programs, South Tampa veterinarian Dr. Hansel Leavengood is letting the community decide whether he should keep his signature ponytail.

A lifelong diabetic, Leavengood has been growing his ponytail for more than 20 years. But he's willing to chop it off on Sept. 10 if the majority of voters on his Cut It/Keep It Facebook page say it should go. 

“I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for over 50 years," said Leavengood, owner of Dale Mabry Animal Hospital. "It has not stopped me from enjoying a healthy, normal life and achieving my goals. Being knowledgeable about the disease, and taking care of yourself, is key.  But having a supportive family and community helps.” 

Leavengood came up with the idea of letting the community vote to keep or cut his ponytail as a way to raise funds for the University of South Florida Health Department's Bringing Science Home Diabetes Programs and Research Endowment.  

While voting on the fate of his ponytail, residents also are urged to donate to the USF diabetes program at either www.usf.edu/ua/CUTit or www.usf.edu/ua/KEEPit. All donations are tax-deductible and will be matched by The Patterson Foundation as well as by local companies that support employee charities. 

The campaign kicked off July 10 and, to date, the "keep it" contingent is winning, raising $1,625 to the "cut it" votes, raising $1,025.

Voters are then invited to gather Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. at the USF Health-Diabetes Home for Healthy Living, 128C S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (at the corner of Kennedy Boulevard) to see if Leavengood will keep or cut his ponytail.

For more information, contact Dena Leavengood, dleaveng@tampabay.rr.com or 813-220-8425