Tata Memorial Centre and The Cherian Foundation Partner to Expand Access to Free Natural Human Hair Wigs for Cancer Patients

Chennai, India: Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) and The Cherian Foundation have entered into a landmark partnership to strengthen supportive cancer care by improving access to premium natural human hair wigs for economically disadvantaged cancer patients across India.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, will serve as the nodal agency for the receipt, coordination and distribution of wigs across the Tata Memorial Centre network. The collaboration establishes a structured framework for equitable allocation, utilisation tracking and impact reporting, ensuring transparency, accountability and timely access for patients across the network.

As part of the partnership, The Cherian Foundation, through its flagship Gift Hair Gift Confidence (GHGC) initiative, is donating 500 premium natural human hair wigs, valued at ₹1.5 crore, to Tata Memorial Centre. The wigs have been pre-packaged and allocated based on the patient requirements of each participating centre to facilitate efficient distribution across the Tata Memorial Centre network.

This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two organisations. Beyond the inaugural donation, The Cherian Foundation has committed to manufacturing and donating 1,000 premium natural human hair wigs annually through the Gift Hair Gift Confidence initiative. These wigs will be distributed based on patient requirements across the Foundation’s partner hospital network, including Tata Memorial Centre, ensuring sustained access to supportive cancer care.

Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally challenging side effects of cancer treatment. While premium natural human hair wigs can play a significant role in restoring confidence and emotional well-being, they are generally not covered under health insurance, making them unaffordable for many families. Through this partnership, Tata Memorial Centre and The Cherian Foundation seek to bridge this gap by ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent patients from receiving this important aspect of supportive cancer care.

Since its launch in 2014, Gift Hair Gift Confidence has grown into one of India’s leading hair donation movements. The initiative manages the complete journey—from creating awareness and mobilising hair donations to wig manufacturing, quality assurance, free distribution, refurbishment and recipient support. To date, it has mobilised more than 30,000 hair donors and provided over 2,500 premium natural human hair wigs, free of cost, through a network of more than 35 partner hospitals across India.

Mrs. Valsa Benjamin Cherian, Director, The Cherian Foundation, said:

“For over two decades, The Cherian Foundation has believed that healthcare extends beyond medical treatment to restoring dignity, hope and quality of life. Gift Hair Gift Confidence embodies that philosophy by transforming an act of generosity into renewed confidence for thousands of cancer patients. Our partnership with Tata Memorial Centre marks an important milestone in our mission to make supportive cancer care more accessible across India, and we remain committed to expanding this movement through meaningful institutional collaborations and the collective compassion of our community.”

Sara Cherian, Executive Trustee of The Cherian Foundation and a cancer survivor, who spearheads the Gift Hair Gift Confidence initiative, said:

“As a cancer survivor, I understand that losing your hair is about far more than appearance—it can profoundly affect your confidence, identity and emotional well-being. Gift Hair Gift Confidence began before my own diagnosis, but my cancer journey gave it an even deeper personal meaning. As Executive Trustee of The Cherian Foundation, I am committed to ensuring that no patient is denied the dignity and confidence a premium natural human hair wig can restore simply because they cannot afford one.

Our partnership with Tata Memorial Centre is a significant milestone in that mission. It brings us closer to our vision of making access to premium natural human hair wigs an integral part of supportive cancer care by establishing hospital-based wig banks across India, so that every patient who needs one has the opportunity to receive one with dignity.”

George B. Cherian, CEO, Raj Hair International, said:

“For more than four decades, Raj Hair International has built its reputation on exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and uncompromising quality in natural human hair products. We are honoured to manufacture the premium natural human hair wigs donated through Gift Hair Gift Confidence, ensuring that every wig reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort and natural appearance. It is a privilege to contribute our expertise to this partnership with Tata Memorial Centre and help restore confidence and dignity to cancer patients across India.”