18 hours ago
Catwalk show to build confidence
(From third left) Mahani with Chua, Oh and other event sponsors, briefing the media on the initiative.
FOR many women battling cancer, hair loss is one of the numerous side effects they have to deal with.
Even after the disease is defeated, the physical reminders often linger.
Some continue to face thinning hair, uneven regrowth or permanent hair loss, all of which can take a toll on self-esteem.
Acknowledging this silent struggle, thoughtful individuals have come together to give 100 women cancer patients and survivors a chance to be celebrated like beauty queens at 'Dreams Stage Show'.
Event organiser Sheila Oh said 100 youth volunteers have been recruited to help style the participants.
'They will receive full makeovers, which will include professional hairstyling with wigs, makeup and outfits as well as personal coaching on stage presence.
'The highlight will be the runway show where each participant will walk the stage cheered on by family, friends and supporters,' she said during the press conference in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
Oh expressed gratitude to sponsors who had come forward to make the event a reality.
She said the idea for the event was first suggested by one of the sponsors.
Gaga Hair co-founder and chief operating officer Friday Chua, who runs a business selling wigs, said it was a deeply personal encounter that inspired him to get involved.
'A woman walked into my salon with a cloth wrapped around her head.
'She removed it and told me she wanted to look good for her daughter's wedding, and did not want to embarrass her family because of the way she looked.
'Her words struck me hard.
'I tried a wig on her and in that moment, I saw her sorrowful expression transform into a bright smile,' he recalled.
Chua shared that this experience made him wonder how many other women would have been in a similar situation and felt the same way.
This got the ball rolling for this event.
Mahani Kassim, the president of show co-organiser Pink Unity, said many participants admitted that they had never imagined being part of something like this.
Pink Unity is a cancer support initiative for women under National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
'Women are generally vain and this does not change with cancer.
'Some have avoided social events altogether since their treatment, because of the way they look.
'When they go out, they will try to dress up and look their best despite carrying deep burdens in their hearts from their silent struggle with cancer.
'They just want to look like everyone else and not stick out due to their appearance,' she said, adding that some participants were in end-of-life care.
Mahani described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would be very meaningful for the women.
The Dream Stage Show is set to take place on Aug 17 at Confetti Kuala Lumpur at Mines Commercial Centre on Jalan Mines 2 in Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan.
