The deadly disease of Cancer does not only affect a patient physically but the harsh medicines and chemotherapy leave the patients emotionally rattled. Chemo makes patients lose their hair, many of them also go bald gradually, making them feel a little more self-conscious.
Earlier this year, Tahira Kashyap rocked a bald look while undergoing chemo. Sonali Bendre is another cancer survivor who initially opted for a wig when she was undergoing treatment for the disease.
There are many who do their bit in supporting the cancer patients emotionally and physically, while some raise funds for those who can’t afford the expensive treatment, a few others participate in events aimed at boosting the confidence of cancer patients.
A senior female cop from Aparna Lavakuma (an all-women police station) in
Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, Kerala went out of her way to show support to cancer patients. She tonsured her Rapunzel-like knee-length locks and donated them to make wigs for cancer patients, reported NDTV.
“It can be unnerving when you lose your hair after chemotherapy. I wanted to show support by going bald and normalizing it,” she said.
Aparna decided to chop her hair off after meeting a class 5 student who was battling cancer.
“These children go through a lot of bullying because they are bald. Apart from their illness and issues related to treatment, comments and stares from classmates can also add to their worries,” she said.
“The cancer affected children are taunted or mocked at as they go to school after losing hair from chemotherapy. Any deed to boost their confidence would help,” she told News 18.
Aparna kept her plan a secret as she thought telling everyone about it would have created hurdles. “Had I told someone in advance, some deterrent might have occurred. So I walked straight into a salon. After all, I do not consider this a big deal. People do greater things than this. I am not in a position to help anyone financially. This is my bit to help the needy,” Aparna said.
Recalling the moment when she approached her senior officer N. Vijayakumar asked me whether I was keen on letting go all of it. I was not bothered. My hair will regrow.”
Her thoughtful gesture has caught the attention of many including Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, report sources. People are praising the cop for setting an example with her selfless effort.
“My latest act did not deserve any notice at all. My hair will grow back in a year or two. For me, real heroes are people who donate their organs for the needy. What is in a look? Your words and deeds are important than your external look,” she told Hindustan Times.
Aparna has donated her locks to Amala Cancer Research Centre in Thrissur.
Two years ago, Aparna’s daughters for cancer patients. She has inspired many including her cousin and a fellow female colleague by her kind gesture.
Talking about how she joined the police force Aparna said, “I landed here quite unexpectedly. Now I realize this is one of the best jobs to help the public in the best ever way. If I reincarnate, I would wish to be a police officer.”
Letting go off your hair is a big deal! Even the thought of going bald naturally scares the hell outta us.
Kudos to Aparna for her