A total of 39 students and staff at the Springdales School in Dubai shaved and donated their hair to breast cancer patients on Thursday morning as a part of the school’s campaign ‘Protect your mum’.

The campaign aims to encourage every student to “pester” their mother to regularly carry out self-examination for signs of breast cancer, and to annually visit the doctor for a check-up.

A total of 21 male students and two male teachers had their hair shaved bald by a team of hairdressers, while 16 girls had their hair cut and donated to cancer patients through the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP).

The campaign was organised by Grade 11 student Irum Shaikh, and Grade 8 student Simar Singh, who have carrying out awareness activities across the school since April 2018 to educate students about the risks and effects of breast cancer, as well as the importance of early detection.

“My father passed away last year because of stomach cancer, and I saw what he went through from pain and losing his hair while battling the disease. When I found out about the initiative, I had to get involved,” said Shaikh after hosting the assembly in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Shaikh also cut and donated 10 inches of her hair to cancer patients. “By donating my hair, it feels like I have given it to my dad and I’m so thankful for that,” she added.

Similarly, Singh was inspired to give back to the community by organising the campaign in honour of her grandmother who donated her eyes to a blind person after she passed away.

“We encouraged students to create posters in their moral education classes on steps to carry out self-examination for breast cancer, and explained the impact the disease has on a society,” she said.

The students also welcomed Premi Mathew, Founder of Hair for Hope India, an organisation that encourages hair donations for cancer patients, as the guest of honour during the school assembly.

“This campaign encourages each one of you to convince your mothers to self-check for the early signs of breast cancer. Now a days with YouTube and google, there are endless videos that show how to do the exam at home,” she told students.

Meanwhile, 11 grader Lovish Manchanda, who shaved off his head of curls for the cause said he admired those who find the courage to fight this deadly disease.
“It’s just hair, it’ll grow back,” he said while lining up to cut his hair.

“Thankfully I don’t know anyone battling cancer, but I feel for those who are. It is a big deal as they see death right in front of their faces and still continue to fight — this is why I am doing this today, to support them,” said Machanda.

Just the same, eight grader Ishaan Sharma, shaved his head bald to show his solidarity to the cause.

“I plan to pester my mother to get tested and carry out self-exams at home. I am raising awareness about the disease among my family,” he said.
Seventh grader, Glenys Rodrges also cut 12 inches of her hair for the cause.

“It feels really good that my hair can be the cause of someone else’s smile and can bring them happiness. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late stages, so I am also doing this for her,” she said.