A few years ago, I was introduced to the concept of hair donation. I did not think about it as something I could do. I did not know how impactful it would be if I donated my hair! I just saw others do it and liked the concept.

To participate in a social cause, one must feel it; otherwise, it will not make a difference. Well, I believe in this! What did it for me is a video that I watched! It changed my mind, made me cry, take a new step, and join the social cause.

That video was about a small boy sitting in the hospital with no hair and lost deep in his thoughts. A window cleaner was cleaning the glass and suddenly notices this boy and just for fun he draws foam hair on the window above the boy's head, clicks his picture and shows that to him. The deep thinker suddenly gets out of his thoughts and decides to smile. He runs outside. The cleaner continues his work and soon sees that this boy is now back with a few other children like him! And they all have fun clicking selfies and creating that foam hair on their head!

This made me think- what if they receive the real hair? And that is when I began to consider hair donation. Now, I could understand the impact of it, now I also wanted to participate. I've always loved my long hair; it was obvious that I struggled a bit between choosing to donate it or keeping it for myself. But then this video kept running in my mind, and I thought, maybe one such child will smile because of me, wearing my hair. I would lose my long locks, but for someone it might feel like a crown! God has anyway gifted me with healthy, long hair and even if I cut it, it would grow back, but others may not have this luxury.

I decided to donate my hair for the first time! I had mixed feelings, but I knew it was for a good cause. Finally, I did it. I got it cut at the parlor and brought it home. I tied a ribbon around it, as if it was a gift. Even as I was on my way to Sharjah, driving towards the cancer patients center, I already felt happy, excited to hand it over. Some divine feeling, I could feel like an achievement, accomplishment! I was surprised by my own happy face :) I cannot describe the joy of handing that over at the center. It is something to experience! :)

After my hair donation, obviously as a social bee I was good at announcing to the world that doing this made me happy. And that is when I realized that not a lot of people know about this cause! Or maybe they do but do not give it that much importance, just as I didn't before. I was questioned by many, received a lot of comments on my look (both good and bad). A few people simply did not get the logic behind hair donation. Many asked whether such a thing as ‘Hair donation’ really exists! Or was I making up stories to have a short hair? I realized that it is not common. I accepted the fact and prepared myself to answer them in a way to educate them.

Despite all this, my soul was happy. Every time I looked in the mirror, I was reminded of the smiling face of the boy in the video. I was just happy. Honestly, I did not expect that from me ;) But it was the fact. I felt like I had been carrying this divine happiness right from the first time I felt it, on my way to the center. Maybe I refused to let it go! All I knew was that I was happy; the woman standing in front of the mirror was proud, happy and was smiling at herself…

That sad face

Seeks my love.

That depressed face

Calls for my help.

No money, no treasure-

How can I be of any help?

No time to spend with them-

How can I share happiness?

Oh, I have an awesome choice:

To donate my hair,

Be a voice of a social cause,

And share some care!

A tree looks dead without leaves,

But springs resurrect it.

It irritates one to lose hair,

But a wig regenerates strength.

Donated hair will grow again,

Spreads happiness out of its roots,

Brings a smile while facing the mirror,

Becomes a crown of a princess!

That happy face

Melts my heart.

That satisfied face

moves me to tears.

I decided to grow my hair again, so that I could donate it again. While on this journey and spreading awareness to people I know and those who questioned me, I had already been an inspiration for a few! I started receiving calls from friends of friends to inquire about this cause, how they can do it, where they can do it etc. Till date I am super happy being an ambassador of this cause. I will donate my hair as often as I can and will always encourage people to do so (if they can)!

Will you be the next one in line?

Stay positive. Have an attitude of gratitude. Spread love.

Preethi Seema D’Souza