The City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, CA has unveiled the Farouk Shami Positive Image Center, a self-care facility named in honor of philanthropist Dr. Farouk Shami, chairman and founder of Farouk Systems, Inc. and the CHI hair-care brand.
The center will offer wig, hair, and scalp services to patients undergoing cancer treatment, along with other wellness services. Shami raised more than $1 million for the facility and has donated CHI Power Plus products for use there.
At a celebratory ribbon cutting held at City of Hope, Shami says he will continue to support the cancer center. “You are the cure and we are the support,” he says. “We have a common interest, serving the people of the United States of America, and serving humanity, and finding cures,” he says.
“That’s where we meet; you provide the care, and we bring the beauty. Together, we shall cure the world.”
Staff and caregivers gathered to welcome Shami, holding placards that read “Thank You,” “We ❤️ Dr. Shami,” and “We ❤️ the CHI Man.”
Natalie Schnaitmann, Executive Director of City of Hope’s Department of Supportive Care, says the new center will play a vital role in patients’ overall well-being and self-esteem, and that the toxin-free CHI hair products in use there are perfect for patients who must avoid potentially harmful ingredients.
“Dr. Shami has offered an incredible partnership," she says. “As he said, it’s the combination of health and beauty which elevates our patients who are struggling to get through this tough cancer treatment. We give the cures; we give the treatments; we help take care of the cancer.
“But to give them that boost in a natural healthy way as a gift in their sense of self, in their positive image, is really priceless.”