That is an amazing amount of hair. I've never seen anything like it and, from the picture, it does look healthy.
As for what doctors have told her of the physical damage her hair is causing, it's still her choice as to whether to heed their advice or not. I won't judge her for whatever decision she makes. Only she knows the value she places on her life.
Clearly, this woman believes that her hair has healing powers and it's a spiritual thing for her. Dreding her hair initially was for spiritual reasons, according to the article. And, because of that, I can understand her hesitation and resistance to cutting her hair. The power of our thoughts and beliefs is real. I think she believes her hair is what has kept her alive through all of her health issues. For all we know, that may be true. Too many people go around doing what others think they should do. All of us have the right to follow our own truths and decide our own destinies. For some, dying isn't the worst thing that can happen to you if you had to choose that over compromising what you believe in.