Locks of Hope: Empowering cancer patients with confidence and support

August 29, 2019
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A pioneering initiative - the Locks of Hope Association is making a significant difference in the lives of financially disabled cancer patients. Established in April 2014, this unique organization has been providing free human-hair pieces to individuals battling cancer. Let's delve into their inspiring journey of compassion and dedication.

A humble beginning
Locks of Hope started its journey by offering 140 hairpieces to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) under a two-year memorandum of understanding. Later that same year, in December, it officially registered as an association.

Driven by personal loss
The driving force behind this noble cause is the passion of its leaders. Vice president Ang Ping Hean, who lost his father to lymphoma cancer, and president Kong Chee Mun, who experienced a similar loss with his grandmother's battle against lung cancer, decided to commit themselves full-time to Locks of Hope.

Turning locks into hope
Their mission became a reality by collaborating with wigmakers in Taiwan and China. The human hair donations of 6inches to 8inches is carefully cleaned in Taiwan, and in China, it is skillfully hand-tied into wigs. Ang emphasizes the profound impact these hairpieces have, especially for female cancer patients who often struggle with self-confidence when facing hair loss.

Boosting confidence and normalcy
Ang shares, "For many women, losing their hair is emotionally challenging. Stepping out without hair can feel impossible. These hairpieces elevate their self-confidence and help them blend into society, looking and feeling normal even without makeup."

Overcoming initial hesitations
Initially, patients may be hesitant about wearing a wig, as it doesn't feel like their own hair. However, their apprehension turns into appreciation once they experience the transformation. Locks of Hope has witnessed a positive change in patients' attitudes as they gain confidence and comfort.

A growing network of support
Locks of Hope has garnered immense support, not only from within Malaysia but also internationally. Individuals and organizations from France, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Dubai, the United States of America, Philippines and Indonesia have rallied behind their cause.

Expanding impact
The association's reach has expanded significantly since its inception. In 2015, they donated 50 wigs directly to patients and in 2016, this number doubled to 90 wigs, with an additional 90 donated to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association. Recently, another 40 wigs were provided to those in need.

Beyond wigs
Locks of Hope also extends financial assistance to patients in need of operations and surgery at general or semi-government hospitals. They raise funds through corporate events like charity runs, covering premises rental costs and shipment expenses for human hair to Taiwan and China.

A bright future ahead
Locks of Hope Association is dedicated to its mission of helping financially disadvantaged recipients and providing more hairpieces. Their unwavering commitment continues to inspire hope and confidence in the hearts of cancer patients throughout Southeast Asia.