Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 13: Hair loss during chemotherapy or radiation is the most physical apparent sign of cancer disease. The Mangalore Diocesan developmental NGO – CODP runs 'SPARSHA' campaign against cancer by creating awareness on this dreaded disease.

On January 12, 2021, CODP organized a drive called 'Hair Donation', aiming to help the poor patients with free wigs, in collaboration with 'Hair Bank' Thrissur.

Fr Vincent Dsouza, designate director of CODP said donating hair is a noble act of charity. He welcomed the gathering and appreciated the hair donors for taking this initiative and showing a kind gesture towards the cancer patients.

Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP spoke of the sufferings faced by cancer patients during the course of treatment. "Having cancer is bad enough, but being robbed of dignity and self-esteem is even more worse." He congratulated all the hair donors saying they are bringing a smile back on the faces of poor patients. He wished many more would be motivated to do this noble cause, by this noble activity.

"We had two young child donors namely, Viola Nia Lobo studying in first standard and Jazlin Mishal Dlima studying in the fourth standard who willingly donated their beautiful long hair for the cause."

Seven students studying in various colleges of Mangaluru namely, Alrine Clevita D'Costa, Sharel Vinitha Menezes, Sharitha Menezes, Shrada S Bhat, Zeena Wilma Concessao, Rosmy M Shaji, Mohitha T Bhandary donated 12-inch hair for this good cause. All hair donors were very glad to have got a chance to donate their hair. As a token of gratitude, all the hair donors were honored with a memento by Fr Oswald Monteiro.

Those who were present for this programme not only appreciated this activity of CODP, but were also inspired to donate their hair.

Shilpa D'Souza, coordinator of Sparsha compered the program. Pushpaveni proposed the vote of thanks.