As presenter Samia Afreen undergoes chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, her family has found a touching way to remind her that she does not have to face the difficult journey alone.
Her son shaved his head to support her, and her husband followed suit, sharing the emotional burden of losing her hair during treatment.
Samia had prepared herself for hair loss after doctors warned her about the side effects of chemotherapy.
She first cut her hair short before asking her elder son, Ahanaf Arabi, to shave her head. Soon afterwards, he shaved his own head too. Her husband, SM Rezaul Imran, also removed his hair to stand beside his wife.
On 15 September, Samia shared a video of the moment on Facebook. She said she had decided to accept hair loss as a normal part of treatment rather than allow it to overwhelm her.
For her, adapting to changing circumstances is more important than dwelling on what cannot be controlled.
The family’s support reflects the close bond they have maintained through Samia’s repeated health struggles.
She was first diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer in 2022 and later returned to treatment after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent surgery in Singapore in July and is now receiving chemotherapy in Bangladesh.
Ahanaf, who was studying in Canada when his mother was first diagnosed, returned home to stay beside her and resumed his studies in Bangladesh. He says his mother’s illness remains on his mind even as he continues with his own life.
Samia has also spoken about the importance of patience and emotional support for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Her family’s gesture offers a personal example of that support, reminding her that the struggle belongs not only to the patient but also to the people who love her.
