Dubai girls give hair the chop, boy vows to grow it

Dubai - Over 20 students take up 'insp-hair-ational' act to promote awareness about breast cancer

More than 20 UAE-based school children spent their Friday creating awareness about hair donation - with some as young as four giving their hair a chop for cancer patients.
Held at The Kindergarten Starters in Dubai, the Protect Your Mom (PYM) campaign saw students and parents unofficially gather together to promote awareness of breast cancer.
More than 20 ponytails in total were collected from willing, selfless students, and a boy even pledged to grow his hair to donate it to PYM.
In attendance at Friday's fun event was inspiring youngster Carthika Sujith, the Hair for Hope India volunteer.
Back in July, Khaleej Times reported on the 9-year-old's journey back home to India where she donated her 15-inch ponytail to cancer patients who lost their hair during chemotherapy treatment.
On Friday, Carthika encouraged others to follow in her footsteps and helped cut the hair of three students from The Kindergarten Starters, including 4-year-old Aradhana.
Speaking to Khaleej Times after the event, Carthika said she felt "proud" of her peers and thanked PYM for supporting her in her mission to help others.
"I am so proud and happy that I am able to create awareness and encourage others to donate their hair for a noble cause."
Though some mothers were unsure about the process initially, Carthika helped ease their concerns by spreading the message that "the whole world can donate their hair for a cause", even young children.
"After all, hair grows back," she said.
Premi Mathew, founder of the PYM campaign, said it was important to hold events like this as a way of encouraging younger generations to stand up and talk about cancer.
"People will get bored by constant speeches. But the message from today's event will go viral via Whatsapp through posters we have created." She said it is "awesome to see the enthusiasm of kids" and hopes the dedication of these children will continue to inspire others.
"One boy also pledged to grow and donate his own hair. We cannot ask for more than this."
The hair collected will be donated to UAE-based charity Friends of Cancer Patients.
Friday's event saw tens of children pledge to take the message of hair donation to various states in the UAE and India.
Performing on the day was energetic dance group, Ash Rockers, who wowed the crowds with their Pink Dance and drummer, Samuel Kukubor. As Ash Rockers and Kukubor kept the crowds entertained, inspiring school children lined up to give their hair the chop.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai