On Wednesday, Magen David Adom and Zichron Menachem, an Israeli nonprofit for children with cancer, held “Double Donation Day,” an event that encouraged their employees and the Israeli public to donate hair and/or blood.
In total, 144 braids were collected from both women and men to create natural, high-quality wigs for cancer patients, and 194 units of blood were donated. The collection sites were located throughout the country.
The donation drive was initiated by Yonat Daskal-Dagan, a paramedic who is also head of MDA’s Wish Ambulance program. She donated a braid of hair and a unit of blood.
“During the day we met mothers who came with their daughters, and even men who cut their very long hair,” Yonat said.
Paramedic Yoel Kahn, 36, donated his hair for the third time in his life.
“MDA employees recruited family members, and the people of Israel repeatedly open their hearts and give for the benefit of the other in society,” Yonat added. Including the hairdressers who donated their time to cut the locks.
Among the braid donors was MDA volunteer EMT Gilat Brown, 54, a breast cancer survivor. “This is the second time I’ve donated; the first time was when my girlfriend got sick, and they gave her an unpleasant plastic wig. From personal experience, I understand how important it is to find ways to make it easier for patients and lessen their despair.”
Thirteen-year-old Yael Kobi donated hair in honour of her father, a volunteer EMT who is recovering from cancer. “This was important to me because I know how much families care and want to help their loved ones,” she said. “I hope my contribution will strengthen the brave girls who are fighting this disease.”