AR
UR
In a beautiful gesture, 14 teachers and non-teaching staff of an Indian school donated their hair to a Grade 5 student diagnosed with cancer.
The 10-year-old girl of International Indian School, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, was diagnosed with cancer last month. As the brave heart continue to fight leukaemia at the hospital, the school ensured necessary efforts to support her in her battle against cancer.
14 teachers and non-teaching staff decided to donate their hair with the aim of bringing a smile to the student's face
Speaking about the initiative, the school's principal Dr Beno Kurien underlined that the school wanted to display its support to the student who was hospitalised a month back.
"We wanted to show that she is not alone in this fight. The entire school is with her. So, teachers, admin and supporting staff, overall, 14 people, donated their hair. We had four male staff who went bald,” she added.
The efforts were made as part of an event held under the theme: ‘For her… Our Little Angel’.
The principal added that the gesture is aimed at inspiring and encouraging community members to offer their support to people with cancer with such actions.
"People with cancer lose their hair while undergoing chemotherapy. So, we can donate our hair," the principal added.
The school event was inaugurated by Premi Mathew, the founder of Hair for Hope India, to inspire others for their support.
Addressing the event, Premi said that this is probably for the first time that teachers are donating their hair to cancer patients.
"They are also donating a smile. This is something that the world has never seen,” Premi added.
A Dubai resident, Premi, is a cancer survivor herself. Through the organisation, she strives to create awareness about the importance of early screening for cancer to ensure early treatment.
She expressed that losing hair is the most traumatic part of chemo, noting that hair is an integral part of a person’s personality. Premi lauded the school teachers for setting a heart-warming example for not just students, but the entire world to extend their help and support.
"I feel this should be an example for all the schools around the world,” Premi said.
According to the school, the donated hair will be converted into wigs and given directly to cancer patients to help them in regaining confidence and strength to fight the disease. The hair donated in the UAE goes to Friends of Cancer Patients.
Teachers and non-teaching staff of International Indian School who donated their hair include Vijaya Dialani, Christen Joy, Gabrielle Toledo, Remya A.C., Mary Anne, Myma Paga, Necie Catada, Teenu, Shanty, Sherra Lantin, and four men who went bald are Afsal, Nagaraju, Vetrivel Velsamy and Jitheesh.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times