Today is celebrated World Cancer Day, in order to raise awareness of the disease and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. To show support for cancer patients, several initiatives and movements will be implemented around the world today.

Sashka Kuzmanova from Kavadarci is one of those humane people who provide support to those suffering from this serious disease throughout the year. Namely, she is the founder of "Infinity Life KS" and makes wigs from natural fiber and donates them to oncology patients in need.

She says that this work is more than noble and that for her there is nothing more beautiful than to see a smile on the person to whom she gave the wig, a humane act that is "one bright spot in all the blackness that they are going through".

Sashka, how did you come up with the idea to start making wigs from natural fiber for oncology patients?

- I have been engaged in humanitarian work for many years, I have helped many socially endangered families, I started to be surrounded daily by people who are sick and facing one of the most difficult diseases of the 21st century - cancer. But, as they say, until you feel it on your own or on the skin of a loved one, you will not know how it is for those people.

Well, so do I. People close to me had surgery, started chemotherapy, many tears, very difficult days, months for them, and it was even more difficult when they would see themselves without hair and someone would say: "I wish I had the funds for a natural hair wig."

That was the moment I decided that I wanted to help them and everyone else who is suffering and fighting cancer. I started to think how to become a bright spot for them in all the blackness they are going through.

My profession is an English teacher, I had no contact points with hair, I knew nothing about it. Well, I started learning from postings on the internet, looking up who makes wigs, reading what wigs there are, etc. After a long search I didn't come across anyone who is near here who can teach me, so I decided to search deeper and wider.

At the moment when I already thought that there was no chance for me to learn, I was contacted by a person who does not live in Macedonia, and who previously made wigs, but wants to hand over the craft to a "lioness", as she called me. We made contact and listened to each other daily. But since the coronavirus pandemic happened, I couldn't go to her, so together we decided to learn everything online. It was too hard, when you don't have someone nearby to explain, look or touch. But after so much effort and education, I was already ready to make the wigs. Well, I founded "Infinity Life KS" Kavadarci, all with the aim of making more people happy.

What does the process of making a wig look like and how long does it take you to make it?

– When you see a wig, you might think it's easy to make. But even though it seems that way, it is not easy at all. The wigs are made by hand, hair by hair, and the whole production process lasts from 21 to 31 days. The wigs are natural hair, some are undyed and some are dyed. I always try to make the wigs look at least as close to their hair as before so that patients can feel more comfortable and confident – ​​to believe in themselves! My heart is full every time I see them and it gives me extra motivation to make more and more creations.

Your motivation is very noble – to help where needed. But to avoid possible abuses, on what principle are the wigs awarded?

- Yes, believe me, this work is more than noble. There is nothing more beautiful in the world when you see that someone is smiling, that someone is happy, and you are exactly the reason for all that. You are speechless and your heart is full.

I should also mention that the wigs are made by hand and are given as gifts with conditions for who gets the wig. Anyone interested in a wig must provide me with a document that they are an oncology or hematology patient. That way I will know that the wig will end up in the right hands and that it will not be misused.

Each of these stories is very emotional. But has any situation left such a strong impression on you that you will remember it forever?

- Every story is emotional, every patient has her own story, and I am their friend, above all. I always listen to them, I am always smiling and I always believe in them, because after this fight they will be stronger. And they will always have my support.

Of the many life stories, I will single out one. About a young girl who, a year after we put on the wig, called me early in the morning and told me in a loud voice: "Aunt Sashkaaa, I have recovered!" I don't need a wig anymore, I'm healthy! It came out as you said. Thanks to you, I got through everything, we swam together and now it's all over. But I will not return your wig, I will frame it for the rest of my life to remind me of you and your goodness."

Here you already have a lump in your throat, you don't know whether to cry or rejoice, emotions everywhere. But I will say it again, the best feeling is when you know that people are happy, and you are the reason for all that. There is nothing more beautiful than that. And I will continue making wigs as long as my hands last, and we will put many, many smiles on faces.

We believe that there are many women who would like to donate their hair to make a wig like this. What are the criteria to be met and how could they contact you?

- Since the wigs are made from natural hair, anyone who wants to donate hair and be part of this project can contact me on my Facebook profile Sashka Kuzmanova.

The conditions for donating hair are as follows: The hair can be natural, but also dyed, because some patient's hair was blonde or red, so in order not to damage the natural hair, I also take dyed hair, all in order to help the each patient. Hair should be tied in a ponytail or braid and be 25 cm or more.

Believe me, many people will be very grateful to you for the work you will do!

Finally, do you have a message for those who have already helped you in this humanitarian mission?

- I would like to thank all the companies that stood side by side with me, all the embassies in Macedonia. Also, to many hair salons throughout Macedonia, as well as to the entire Macedonian people.

Thank you for your support, and together we will contribute to many smiles. I also invite all companies to join with their support, because our little means a lot to someone.

Together we can do much more!

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