The Breast Cancer Network Vietnam (BCNV) is calling for hair donations as part of the Pink Hat Festival, which will be held on Sunday to raise awareness, especially among women, about the threat of breast cancer.

A photo from the collection Pink Warriors 2017 featuring 45-year-old breast cancer patient Pham Thi Hong Anh. – Photo courtesy of organiser

The BCNV expects to get 4,000 hair sets, which will be used to produce about 300 wigs for cancer patients nationwide, including breast cancer patients.

Launched in 2014, the organisation so far has received nearly 1,000 hair sets. At the moment, 10 wigs are available to be loaned to patients without a rental fee. Another 50 sets will be completed soon and donated to cancer patients in Đà Nẵng.   

Those who wish to donate their hair may register at goo.gl/vDq56Z.

Alongside the appeal for hair, the Pink Hat Festival will also feature the book launch of Sống Lần Thứ Hai (Live for the Second Time) by Nguyễn Thuỷ Tiên, who is one of founding members of the BCNV.

The book tells the story of the fight of Thương Sobey – the first founding member the BCNV, who is also Tiên’s elder sister—against the disease. It explains how Thương was brave, tough, and unyielding during the battle.

A few months before her wedding, Thương was informed that she was in the fourth stage of the disease. Instead of falling into despair, she continued to devote her heart, mind and time to raise awareness among Vietnamese women about breast cancer.

The book also tells about Tiên’s emotions and experiences after her sister’s death. Tiên was informed that she had a BRCA gene mutation that increases the risk of women’s breast cancer.

The book launch will be followed by a talk with special guests, including Australia’s Consul General in HCM City, Karen Lanyo, and breast cancer survivor Trang Nguyễn.

A photo exhibition on the theme “Pink Warriors 2017”, featuring women who were or are in the treatment process for breast cancer, will be held during the festival on Sunday.

A-list singer Mỹ Tâm, who is an active supporter of the BCNV will present her performance at the festival.

The festival will also present a dance flashmob featuring more than 200 people.

The Pink Hat Festival will take place from 9am until 5pm at the Soul Live Project, 214-216 Pasteur Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCM City. — VNS