Army Captain Continues 12-Year Tradition with Generous Hair Donation for Cancer Patients
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Army Captain Lee Ye-dam has donated 35cm of her hair, grown over two years, to a charity supporting children with cancer.
- This marks her 12th year of consistent hair donation since she was a high school student.
- The donated hair will be used to create wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy.
In a heartwarming display of dedication and compassion, Captain Lee Ye-dam of the ROK Army's 53rd Division has once again donated her hair to support children battling cancer. For the past two years, Captain Lee meticulously grew her hair, ensuring it remained healthy and untreated, culminating in a generous donation of 35 centimeters to the 'Eomon-a' campaign.
This act of kindness is not a new endeavor for Captain Lee. Her commitment to this cause began during her high school years, and she has now completed her 12th year of consistent hair donation. The 'Eomon-a' campaign, which translates to 'Hair Sharing for Children with Cancer,' focuses on providing specialized wigs to young patients who suffer from hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments.
I wanted to bring bright smiles and happiness to children with cancer who are struggling with chemotherapy.
Creating these wigs requires a substantial amount of healthy hair, making the sustained effort and careful maintenance by donors like Captain Lee crucial. Her motivation stems from a deep desire to bring smiles and happiness to children facing the immense challenges of cancer treatment. She expressed that her military service has only strengthened her resolve to contribute to society and help those in need.
Captain Lee's selflessness extends beyond this remarkable hair donation. She is actively involved in various other volunteer activities within her community, including providing snacks to elderly residents in need. Her consistent commitment to service and her belief in the value of giving back serve as an inspiration, demonstrating how individuals can make a profound difference through sustained acts of generosity.
During my military service, I prepared to donate my hair with the desire to live alongside others and provide help.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.