Empowering cancer survivors, one wig at a time
Bhubaneswar: For many cancer patients, hair loss due to chemotherapy is not just a physical change but an emotional challenge. Understanding the gravity of the problem, Harapriya Nayak (33), has started a unique mission to promote hair donation for underprivileged cancer survivors.
Harapriya launched the ‘Hair Donation Odisha’ initiative under Social Organization Professional Volunteer Action (SOPVA) Trust in 2022, encouraging people to donate hair, which is then processed into wigs for cancer survivors who cannot afford them. In over two years, more than 250 people donated their hair through the trust, helping more than 35 underprivileged cancer survivors.
“I have seen the emotional impact of losing hair due to chemotherapy on cancer survivors. Many don’t want to come out of their homes or cover their heads. I always wished to work for them and help them. But when I wished to donate, there was no facility in Odisha. After searching for a long time, I could donate my hair,” said Nayak, who first donated her waist-long hair for cancer survivors in 2021 through her initiative ‘Mission Smile for the Cancer Fighter’. Then she decided to start the hair donation campaign facility through the trust.
“Our goal is to provide dignity and confidence to those battling cancer. Hair donation may seem small, but it has a huge emotional impact on survivors,” said Nayak, a cluster coordinator for Jaga Mission.
The initiative gained widespread support, with individuals from different walks of life coming forward to donate their hair. The wigs are distributed to cancer patients for free, especially those from economically weaker sections. Each wig takes about 7-8 hair donations to create, making collective participation crucial.
The trust follows a structured process for hair donation, ensuring hygiene and proper wig-making. Donors can either visit designated salons or cut their hair at home following specific guidelines. The collected hair is then sent to specialised centres where it is processed into wigs.
Cancer survivors who benefited from the initiative expressed gratitude to Harapriya. “Losing my hair was devastating, but getting a wig made me feel like myself again,” shared a 40-year-old cancer survivor who received a wig through the initiative.
Harapriya’s initiative has also collaborated with organisations like Cope with Cancer, ensuring that the wigs reach the most deserving patients. Those willing to contribute can contact the SOPVA Trust via their official website or helpline.
Harapriya launched the ‘Hair Donation Odisha’ initiative under Social Organization Professional Volunteer Action (SOPVA) Trust in 2022, encouraging people to donate hair, which is then processed into wigs for cancer survivors who cannot afford them. In over two years, more than 250 people donated their hair through the trust, helping more than 35 underprivileged cancer survivors.
“I have seen the emotional impact of losing hair due to chemotherapy on cancer survivors. Many don’t want to come out of their homes or cover their heads. I always wished to work for them and help them. But when I wished to donate, there was no facility in Odisha. After searching for a long time, I could donate my hair,” said Nayak, who first donated her waist-long hair for cancer survivors in 2021 through her initiative ‘Mission Smile for the Cancer Fighter’. Then she decided to start the hair donation campaign facility through the trust.
“Our goal is to provide dignity and confidence to those battling cancer. Hair donation may seem small, but it has a huge emotional impact on survivors,” said Nayak, a cluster coordinator for Jaga Mission.
The initiative gained widespread support, with individuals from different walks of life coming forward to donate their hair. The wigs are distributed to cancer patients for free, especially those from economically weaker sections. Each wig takes about 7-8 hair donations to create, making collective participation crucial.
The trust follows a structured process for hair donation, ensuring hygiene and proper wig-making. Donors can either visit designated salons or cut their hair at home following specific guidelines. The collected hair is then sent to specialised centres where it is processed into wigs.
Cancer survivors who benefited from the initiative expressed gratitude to Harapriya. “Losing my hair was devastating, but getting a wig made me feel like myself again,” shared a 40-year-old cancer survivor who received a wig through the initiative.
Harapriya’s initiative has also collaborated with organisations like Cope with Cancer, ensuring that the wigs reach the most deserving patients. Those willing to contribute can contact the SOPVA Trust via their official website or helpline.
