In October 2024, Nelly Ortiz, a resident of San Rafael de Guatuso, received a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer. Since then, her journey has not been easy. Filled with uncertainty, treatments, and difficult times, but with the unconditional support of her family, a strong faith, and a positive attitude in the face of adversity, she managed to face every obstacle with courage and determination.
This brave warrior, wife, mother of three, and grandmother of three, endured her process with courage and determination: 16 chemotherapy sessions, 15 radiation therapy sessions, two surgeries, as well as the side effects of her treatment, including the loss of her hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Her strength and love for life drove her every day, with the hope of continuing to live and sharing quality moments with her family.
During her process, she approached the National Foundation for Solidarity Against Breast Cancer (FUNDESO), where she was given a wig that allowed her to reconnect with her essence, boost her self-esteem, and feel like herself again. Doña Nelly just rang the bell of survival, celebrating the end of her treatment for the disease, a gesture that symbolizes hope, victory, and the beginning of a new stage in her life.
Like Nelly Ortiz, thousands of women in the country suffer from breast cancer. In Costa Rica, it is the second most common type of cancer among women and the leading cause of death. Therefore, with the goal of providing emotional support and improving the quality of life of those going through this difficult process, Walmart is holding the Walmart in Pink Mode campaign for the twelfth consecutive year, inviting its customers to donate their hair to make wigs for patients undergoing treatment.
During the weekends of October, a group of stylists will be providing haircuts to those who wish to participate in this worthy cause at all 15 Walmart stores nationwide. Additionally, if some people prefer to do so themselves, they can leave their hair donation in the container located in the customer service area, available during regular store hours.
Donations that Change Lives
Hair to be donated must be clean, dry, and at least 25 centimeters long. Hair with gray or dyed hair is accepted, as long as it is not bleached or dyed in fantasy colors such as blue, fuchsia, green, turquoise, purple, or orange. Those who cannot attend the collection days can wear them tied in a braid or ponytail and packaged in a sealed clear bag.
With these donations and through FUNDESO, the creation of wigs is coordinated, which are then delivered to any cancer patient who needs one. According to the foundation, each year between 600 and 800 patients, including girls, require wigs as part of their post-treatment process.
Lifting spirits and emotional well-being
“Wigs help lift spirits and improve patients’ emotional well-being by restoring a sense of confidence and self-esteem. When they receive them, they cry with emotion, and now, in addition to a wide variety of textures, they are also being made with trendy cuts,” said Gabriela Ramírez, FUNDESO administrator. The foundation provides care and support to approximately 5,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year. Join the haircut drives.
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