Hundreds donate hair for cancer patients during Vu Lan season in Ho Chi Minh City

During the solemn Vu Lan season, Dieu Phap Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City became a hub of compassion as hundreds of individuals donated their hair to support cancer patients. The event, themed “Giving Hair – Sending Love,” saw people from various backgrounds quietly offering their locks to bring comfort and strength to those battling cancer.

The pagoda's main hall maintained a solemn and orderly atmosphere despite the growing number of donors. Participants included not only Buddhists but also many others who traveled from afar to contribute. Organizers reported receiving 542 direct hair donations on the event day alone. Since the project's launch in April 2026, the pagoda has collected over 1,000 hair donations.

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The children suffering from cancer endure not only physical pain but also emotional distress as their hair falls out. I felt heartbroken knowing many of them cannot afford wigs. I simply thought that hair grows back, so I was determined to donate.

Among the donors was 30-year-old Nguyen Thi Cam Loan, who traveled from Tay Ninh province. She had meticulously grown her hair for five years specifically for this cause. "The children suffering from cancer endure not only physical pain but also emotional distress as their hair falls out," Loan shared, her voice thick with emotion. "I felt heartbroken knowing many of them cannot afford wigs. I simply thought that hair grows back, so I was determined to donate."

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I wish the friends who receive the hair will get well soon and feel more confident with their new hair. I hope they won't hesitate to donate hair because hair grows back, and we can help our friends have beautiful hair.

Nine-year-old Do Nguyen Ngoc Bich Tram, accompanied by her mother, also participated. She had grown her 30cm of hair for over five years without a single trim. "I wish the friends who receive the hair will get well soon and feel more confident with their new hair," Tram said. "I hope they won't hesitate to donate hair because hair grows back, and we can help our friends have beautiful hair."

Nguyen Thi Ngoc To, 20, explained that while her mother initially regretted her decision to cut her long hair, she eventually supported her daughter's wish to help cancer patients. "For me, cutting my hair is a change in appearance, but for cancer patients, that hair holds immense spiritual significance, helping them feel more confident in their fight against the disease," To said.

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For me, cutting my hair is a change in appearance, but for cancer patients, that hair holds immense spiritual significance, helping them feel more confident in their fight against the disease.