Chop them tresses for a cause

Sitting by her dying father's side two years ago, Tripti Bhatt had decided to help cancer patients in any way she can. The Delhi-based freelance videographer, remained resolute even after her father passed away the same year.

When she learned about the 'Hair for Hope' foundation, that collects hair for cancer patients going through chemotherapy, she began growing her own tresses to donate some day.

The 21-year-old recently donated 22 inches of long, healthy hair to a patient battling the fatal disease.

"Chemotherapy is really painful physically and mentally. I felt my father's pain every time he looked at himself in the mirror. I wish I knew this then; but I am glad that mine would save someone from their agony," says Bhatt.

Salons across the city are seeing people walk in, asking them to chop their hair and hand it back in sealed pouches for donations.

Diva Kapoor, an eight-year-old girl from Delhi, has been celebrating her birthday with young cancer patients for the past two years. When she got to know about hair donations, she asked for permission from her mother to donate her long hair to a child who needed it 'more than her'.

'Hair for HOPE' India was started in 2013 to create awareness about hair donations to chemotherapy patients. 

Under the campaign 'Protect Your Mom' for breast cancer awareness, so far, 6,000 people have been inspired to donate hair across the country. Hair donation events have been held in various parts, too.

"Cancer is an incurable disease and can often incite feelings of hopelessness in activists and patients alike. For many hair donors, it is their way of avenging cancer for taking away someone dear. Behind every donation, there is a story. Women risk family ire, while men risk sneers to support the cause. A girl went bald for the cause, too, after she lost many loved ones to cancer," says Premi Mathew, founder of the campaign in India.

FOR A CAUSE

‘Hair for HOPE’ India started in 2013 to create awareness about hair donations to chemotherapy patients. So far, 6,000 people have been inspired to donate hair across the country.