Israeli Ambassador Donates Hair to Support Breast Cancer Patients in Philippines Through ‘ISHAir Your Hair’ Initiative | PASIG CITY, Philippines — A little hair can make a big difference in the lives of cancer patients. The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines has renewed its commitment to breast cancer awareness and patient support through the ISHAir Your Hair hair donation drive, in partnership with Rizal Medical Center (RMC), Makati Medical Center Foundation (MMCF), and Emphasis Salon.
During a ceremonial hair-cutting event held on October 15, 2026, at the lobby entrance of Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh donated her hair in solidarity with cancer patients who experience hair loss during treatment.
The initiative, organized under the ISHA Women’s Wellness Center, aims to transform donated natural hair into wigs that will be distributed free of charge to cancer patients, helping them maintain their confidence and sense of identity throughout their treatment journey.
The event carried special significance for Ambassador Kursh. During last year’s initiative, she personally cut the hair of one of the donors. This year, she took her turn in the chair, demonstrating that even a simple personal gesture can offer encouragement and hope to people facing cancer.
Promoting Awareness, Bravery and Compassion
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Ambassador Kursh emphasized the importance of the ABCs of fighting breast cancer: Awareness, Bravery, and Compassion.
Awareness encourages women to prioritize their health and seek early detection. Bravery recognizes the strength of patients navigating diagnosis and treatment, while compassion reminds communities that support and solidarity can make a meaningful difference.
The Embassy also recognized the hair donors, healthcare professionals, and partner organizations whose collective efforts continue to advance breast cancer awareness and provide practical assistance to patients.
Young Singer Joins the Hair Donation Drive
Among those who took part in the initiative was young singer Brillian Star, who arrived at Rizal Medical Center with her mother to donate her hair.
Brillian Star, a rising young performer associated with Repertory Philippines, drew attention not only for her musical talent but also for her thoughtful act of generosity. Her participation highlighted how people of different ages can contribute to a cause that brings hope and dignity to cancer patients.
Her decision to donate her hair served as a reminder that meaningful acts of kindness are not limited by age. For young people, such gestures offer an opportunity to turn compassion into action and inspire others to help.
A Partnership for Women’s Health and Well-Being
The ISHAir Your Hair initiative is part of the continuing collaboration among the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, Rizal Medical Center, Makati Medical Center Foundation, and Emphasis Salon.
The program is connected to the ISHA Women’s Wellness Center, a one-stop facility inside Rizal Medical Center that provides free maternal and reproductive health services to Filipino women. The center was launched in March 2026 through a partnership involving the Department of Health (DOH), the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, and Makati Medical Center Foundation.
The name “ISHA” is derived from the Hebrew word for “woman,” reflecting the center’s commitment to women’s health, empowerment, and well-being.
Makati Medical Center Foundation has also been involved in hair donation efforts through its Hair for Hope Philippines initiative, which began in 2021. These efforts demonstrate how partnerships between healthcare institutions, private organizations, and community members can provide practical support to patients beyond medical treatment.
Donated hair will be processed into wigs and provided free of charge to cancer patients experiencing treatment-related hair loss. Beyond their practical use, the wigs offer patients an added source of comfort and confidence as they undergo therapy.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, the ISHAir Your Hair initiative underscores a powerful message: helping others does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a simple haircut—and a heart willing to give.
Through every strand donated, the campaign strengthens the spirit of compassion and solidarity between the Filipino and Israeli communities, reminding cancer patients that they are not alone in their fight.
