Strands of Love – a hair donation campaign for cancer patients, has garnered a positive response from the Boholano community following its successful first hair donation drive held on September 8, 2024 at the Island City Mall Activity Center.
This initiative, conceptualized by Dr. Maricel A. Tirol of the University of Bohol, was organized in partnership with Alturas Group of Companies (AGC). Dr. Tirol, the visionary behind this project, aimed to support cancer patients by collecting hair donations for wig production.
Over 40 generous donors from Tagbilaran City participated, contributing their hair to be made into wigs for individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments. Among the donors was a teenager who gave her hair in honor of her mother, a Pink Bayanihan beneficiary from three years ago. Additionally, a group from Mindanao held a simultaneous hair donation drive on the same day and sent their hair contributions to Bohol.
A press conference was held prior to the formal opening of the first donation drive, where organizers met the local media , including Atoy Cosap, Arnold Lucas, and Rey Tutas of DYRD, Weng Vallecer of DYTR, Doctor Louie of 911 FM, and well-known blogger Juris. The panellist included UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol, III, Ms. Gaido Bernaldez, AGC Marketing Head, and Mr. Ariel Fullido, AGC Public Relations Officer.
The second hair donation event is scheduled for October 4, 2024, at the University of Bohol, with majority of donors are students. However, willing donors can still register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/StrandsOfLove-Registration. On the same day and venue, a surgical team from Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center will conduct a symposium on breast cancer awareness.
Notably, Strands of Love was officially launched on August 30, 2024, during the UB Himamat General Assembly of Students at the University of Bohol Paraiso. The campaign continues to grow in support, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of cancer patients. (Leo Armando B. Boncales)