TWELVE-YEAR-OLD MARIJA KOSORIĆ DONATES HER HAIR TO HELP ILL CHILDREN

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, DECEMBER 24 /SRNA/ – Twelve-year-old Marija Kosorić from Istočno Novo Sarajevo decided, in agreement with her parents, to cut her long, well-kept hair and donate it to the “Iskra” Association of Parents of Children with Malignant Diseases in Banja Luka.

Marija’s mother, Dragana, told SRNA that Marija had expressed a desire from an early age to help children battling cancer, at least in this way. She added that a minimum hair length of 35 centimeters was required for the donation. "We want to send a message that doing good deeds is important, and that goodness returns when we least expect it," Dragana said. She believes this is a meaningful way to help sick children, who are especially affected by hair loss. "I am proud of Marija and her generosity. From the example set by our children, we adults can learn a great deal," Dragana emphasized. She also thanked hairdresser Vesna Pandurević, who supported the humanitarian act by providing the haircut free of charge and arranging for the donated hair to be delivered to the "Iskra" association. Marija said she wanted to do a humane deed for children who have lost their hair due to illness and medical treatments, and encouraged others who are able to donate their hair as well. "If the hair I donated for making wigs helps someone and makes a child happy even for just one day, then I am happy too," Marija said. She noted that she had not cut her hair for years and that she loves long, well-maintained hair, but does not regret shortening it because she had a noble goal. Marija is a seventh-grade student at "Sveti Sava" Primary School in Istočno Novo Sarajevo. She currently trains volleyball and previously practiced folklore at the "Slavija" Cultural and Artistic Society. She also trained ballet for six years, during which she participated with her former club in various humanitarian programs.