Initiative: Chemotherapy, a common treatment for cancer, often causes severe hair loss as a side effect. For women especially, losing their hair can be extremely distressing, adding to the pain and suffering they already endure. This loss can take a toll on their mental well-being, leading to feelings of depression and making it harder to cope with the illness.
A Compassionate Vision
Harapriya Nayak, a resident of Chhangarh village in Khurda district, has been shaving her head for the past three years and donating her hair to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Her selfless act provides them with wigs, restoring their confidence and bringing smiles to their faces. But Harapriya’s initiative doesn’t stop there. She has rallied a group of about 150 women, men, and young people to join her in this compassionate cause.
The Birth of “Mission Smile for the Cancer Fighters”
Harapriya, a dedicated social worker, became acutely aware of the struggles faced by underprivileged women battling cancer. Witnessing their hair loss firsthand, she felt compelled to offer support in any way she could. Through her organization, the Social Organisation for Professional Volunteer Action (SOPVA) trust, she decided to donate her own hair to create wigs. Her goal was to encourage others to do the same, particularly for disadvantaged cancer patients who cannot afford expensive wigs made from natural hair.
In 2021, Harapriya initiated the ‘Mission Smile for the Cancer Fighters’. She led by example, becoming its first donor. Currently employed as a cluster coordinator for the JAGA Mission under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), she shaved her head and donated her waist-length hair to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital in Mumbai, with assistance from the Madat charitable trust.
A Collective Effort
Over the past two years, Harapriya and her team of 10 SOPVA volunteers have inspired 150 individuals, including women, men, and children from not only Odisha but also neighboring Jharkhand, to contribute their hair for the cause. Among them, the youngest participant is six-year-old Anya Sharma from Jharkhand.
“Traditionally, women with long hair are considered beautiful. Before I started this initiative, I saw many cancer survivors from poor families who lacked the courage to step out of their houses because they had lost their hair,” says the 32-year-old Harapriya. She emphasizes the drawbacks of synthetic wigs, highlighting their short lifespan and potential skin issues. On the other hand, natural hair wigs are safer but significantly more expensive, making them inaccessible to many cancer survivors, especially those from marginalized communities.
Spreading Smiles, One Wig at a Time
Harapriya Nayak’s initiative is a testament to the power of compassion and collective action. By empowering cancer survivors with wigs made from donated hair, she not only addresses a physical need but also uplifts their spirits. Her unwavering commitment to this cause brings hope, joy, and dignity to those fighting cancer.
Let us celebrate Harapriya Nayak’s noble endeavor and recognize the impact she has made in the lives of cancer patients. Her initiative reminds us that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positivity, spreading smiles and strength where they are needed most.
