KT celebrates hope: Hairdresser makes free wigs for kids with cancer

So far, Salam has helped over 15 children walk out of his barbershop empowered with big smiles on their faces.

Five-year-old Lara Mustafa is smiling for the first time in ages. She did not receive a new toy or her favourite candy; rather, she got a customised wig.
Mustafa had to go through painful procedures after being diagnosed with cancer at an early age. Her father expressed her vulnerability and sadness when she lost her hair after months of chemotherapy.
"She saw children her age jumping in playgrounds and spending hours styling their hair, while she couldn't. Losing her hair made her feel hopeless, creating a negative impact on her response to treatment," Mustafa's father said.
Coming from a less fortunate family in Egypt, Mustafa now sits in a humble barbershop in downtown Cairo, sliding her fingers through her new long hair as she looked in the mirror with fresh enthusiasm. Behind that smile was Sameh Salam, who has been personally funding and designing free wigs for children with cancer to give them the power to defeat their illness.
Salam has taken up his mission when he saw a viral video on social media of a young cancer patient who was ecstatic upon receiving a new wig. It was the moment he decided to provide free wigs to children with cancer, especially those from less fortunate families, to lift up their spirits.
"Many families can barely afford expensive cancer treatment costs, let alone costly cosmetic services that can play a huge role in restoring children's confidence and giving them strength to continue their treatment," said Salam.
As part of the self-funded initiative, Salam purchases the necessary requirements to make a wig, while his father helps design custom-made hairstyles to cater to different children.
So far, Salam has helped over 15 children walk out of his barbershop empowered with big smiles on their faces.
"Children need the emotional and moral support to go through this tough illness.
"Losing their hair drives them to isolate themselves out of fear and embarrassment. It makes them even more vulnerable."
Noticing how his daughter's outlook has improved, Mustafa's father said more of such initiatives must be accessible to families of children with cancer.
Salam said: "I cannot help in their treatment, but I can help them get through it."
How Sameh spreads hope
>>Creates free wigs for children with cancer through a self-funded initiative
>> Purchases all the necessary materials for a wig
>>His father designs custom-made hairstyles for the children
>> Lifts the spirits of the young cancer patients, empowering them as they go through their treatment
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE