KUCHING: Hair is often viewed as a woman’s crown because it is usually a vital indicator for health, youth and beauty.
To be frank, nothing complements a woman’s appearance more than hair that is well taken care of and styled. After all, hair is the crown that women can never take off.
That is why women put a lot of effort into taking care of their ‘crown’. However, for some amazing women, they would want to share part of their ‘crown’ for a good cause such as donating it to the ‘Give Your Locks, Give Them Hope’ charity campaign hosted by Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching.
According to the society, the hair donation fundraising campaign is to raise public awareness for cancer patients by collecting donated locks of hairs that will be turned into wigs for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
It hoped that with the awareness created, it will advocate other cancer-related issues in the state such as affordable new cancer treatments and the state’s own Sarawak Cancer Centre.
With the International Women’s Day celebration held globally, a lot of women from all walks of life had stepped in to be part of the fundraising campaign.
Sharing her experience, Des Wee, a fulltime mother, said this is the first time that she joined the campaign to donate part of herself.
“I have been growing out my hair since May 2019 and was excited to be part of the hair donation fundraising campaign. This campaign allows me to contribute to a cause that is very near and dear to my heart,” she said.
The 41-year-old revealed that she was actually a breast cancer survivor since October 2019.
“Personally, I can understand the challenges of accepting physical changes to a female I had to remove a breast and later lose my hair when undergoing the treatment.
“Being a cancer patient has shifted my mindset. I hope with whatever I do, it will make a positive difference in another’s life.
“That is why, through this campaign, I am more than happy to be able to donate my post chemotherapy hair to be made into wigs for other cancer patients!” she added.
Meanwhile, another donor, Dr Roselind Tong, 31, who donated her long-grown hair of three years, also expressed her excitement to be part of the campaign.
“This is actually my first time participating in such a campaign. For me, this campaign is a wonderful effort by the organising team and it sends a beautiful message of ‘Give Your Locks, Give Them Hope’.
“As a doctor, I have witnessed cancer patients, in particular children with cancer, lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy. This inspired me to donate my hair for the campaign.
“I hope that our hair can be turned into wigs to help our cancer fighters feel more like their strong, confident and beautiful selves on their road to recovery,” she said.
In the meantime, both donors urged the public to join in the campaign as it showcases that everyone has the capability of helping someone.
“Donating your hair for charity is the least painful donation compared to blood donation. Additionally, it is also a great way to show your support to these cancer-surviving heroes,” they said.
Separately, they had also conveyed their hopes to the women out there in conjunction with this year’s International Women’s Day themed ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’.
For Wee, she hoped that women everywhere will be given equal opportunities to shine in whatever field they desire to excel in since women make half the world’s population
Meanwhile, Dr Tong hopes that women can achieve a future where all women can have equal rights and opportunities in terms of education, economic participation and political representation.
“Nevertheless, when you (women) are facing challenges in life, it is best to take it slowly. When it becomes too overwhelming, it is best to just take a time out to show yourself some love.
“Even though the problem will still be there, at least after a break, you come back with more energy, better ideas to tackle the task,” they said.
