Machiko sheds locks to give hope
Seventeen-year-old record-breaking swimmer from Asian International School (AIS), Machiko Suharmee Raheem, is hoping to use her popularity in swimming both here and abroad for a good cause.
A few years ago Machiko witnessed the death of a close friend, who was only 17, after a two-year painful battle against cancer.
“I was just 15 years and the first thing I noticed was her losing her hair, the common side effect from chemotherapy. Hair is something girls adore and are proud of. Losing it can be devastating. Therefore I decided to shave my head in support of children with cancer,” she said.
Machiko’s friends and relatives supported her bold move to go bald for a good cause
Machiko will be donating her luscious locks to be turned into a wig for a child with cancer at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital.
“This decision was taken by me after getting approval from school authorities. When I came with a shaven head some were shocked. But when my family and friends realised that this will bring hope to thousands of children suffering from cancer, they supported me and even contributed to the project,” she said.
For Machiko, the bold move to go bald is something she is proud and happy about.
“A cancer patient should not lose hope just because they lose hair. It is a sign of a bold and brave person fighting a horrible disease,” she added.
Machiko has started the fund in order to create a space for children who visit the hospital with books and toys and engage in interactive activities.
“From the donations it has been planned to build a mini library and play area in the cancer hospital’s children’s ward premises with the permission of the hospital administration. We were told that there is an unused space just outside the ward. The main purpose is to keep them away from pain and sadness and give them more hope,” she said.
Machiko
According to her, most of the parents of children suffering from cancer have to spend all their earnings and sell their assets in order to treat their child.
“There are parents who borrow money even for the bus ticket and after treatment go back home with an empty stomach.Therefore many children with cancer do not continue studies, are restricted to their homes and are deprived of a childhood. The hospital is sometimes the only place where they interact with other kids,” she added.
Born in 1996, Machiko is the middle child of a family of swimming stars. Mayumi is her elder sister while Kimiko is the youngest.
Machiko will also be representing the country at next year’s Youth Olympic Games to be held in Nanjing, China. She will be taking part in freestyle swimming events. At this year’s Milo Inter-School Swimming Championship, Machiko broke her own record by setting a new timing of 2.23.20 in the Under 17 girls’ 200m freestyle category.
At the recently concluded National Aquatic Championship, Machiko along with her sister Kimiko, Reshika Udugampola and Shahjan Aminath were able to set a new national record in the 400 meter freestyle relay.
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