TWELVE-YEAR-OLD MARIJA FROM EAST NEW SARAJEVO DONATES HER HAIR TO CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER

Twelve-year-old Marija Kosorić from East New Sarajevo decided, in agreement with her parents, to cut her long, well-kept hair and donate it to the Association of Parents of Children with Malignant Diseases “Iskra” in Banja Luka.

PHOTO: SRNA

Marija’s mother, Dragana, told the news agency SRNA that Marija had expressed a desire from a very young age to help children suffering from cancer, at least in this way. She explained that the required length for donation was 35 centimeters in order for the hair to be used.

“We want to send a message that it is important to do good deeds, because good will return when we least expect it,” Dragana said.

She believes this is a meaningful way to help children battling illness, especially considering how strongly hair loss can affect them.

“I am proud of Marija and her generosity. From the example of our children, we adults can learn a lot,” Dragana emphasized.

She also expressed gratitude to hairdresser Vesna Pandurević, who supported this humane act by cutting Marija’s hair free of charge and who will ensure that the donated hair is delivered to the “Iskra” association.

Marija said she wanted to do a humane deed for children who lost their hair due to illness and therapy, and she encouraged others who are able to donate their hair as well.

“If the hair I donated to make wigs helps someone, if it makes a child happy for at least one day, then I am happy too,” Marija said.

She added that she had not cut her hair for years and that she loves long, well-kept hair, but she does not regret shortening it because she had a noble goal.

Marija is a seventh-grade student at “Sveti Sava” Elementary School in East New Sarajevo. She currently trains volleyball and previously practiced folklore with the cultural and artistic society “Slavija.” She also trained ballet for six years, during which she participated with her former club in various humanitarian programs.