Haircutting marathon strengthens friendship and hope

The ADELI Haircutting Marathon “POWER OF FRIENDSHIP” has proven that friendship can heal the wounds of fate. During the 9-hour marathon, they “cut” together a rehabilitation session for Jerguš.

“I am very happy to help, and if I can contribute even a small part, I always do. It was a beautiful and demanding day, and I am glad that I could help Jerguš in this way. I am pleased that we can join forces with colleagues and in the form of Wella Professionals like this!” – shares hairdresser Barborka Škvarčeková from Bratislava her feelings after a working Sunday at ADELI, adding: “The beautiful thing about it is that people who are being treated at ADELI also came to us and had their hair cut to support Jerguš with the rehabilitation costs.”

For the third time, Piešťany hosted an event that is unparalleled in Slovakia. A group of hairdressers and make-up artists hold scissors, combs, hairdryers and make-up tools in their hands from morning to night, and the pleasant scent of shampoos, hairsprays and sweet lipsticks wafts through the Adeli congress hall. Dozens of beautiful hairstyles are created and styled ladies (and gentlemen too) have their photos taken in front of the ADELI wall. But it's not just about external beauty, it's about the beauty of the soul. Every year, beautiful people combine their friendships for a good cause at the ADELI Haircutting Marathon: a fundraiser for rehabilitation. In 2019, the scissors cut for the soul of the young man Gabriel Rošák after a traffic accident, last season the development of Filip Ficek was supported. This year, the help was again focused on a child, the prematurely born Jerguš Valach. The son of ice hockey player Juraj Valach is a fighter like his father, and the discipline of the grandparents, who have taken on the burden of raising the premature twins with incredible love and commitment, is also admirable.

That this is an event with an enormous wave of good needs no proof. Participant Ivetka Pačaiová wrote on social media: “My feeling from this year's ADELI Haircutting Marathon is unforgettable, it is a powerful experience to do something that has a deep meaning. I experienced this incredible energy that arose from the desire of people to unite and support a good cause... I am proud that I was part of this event for the third time!”

As in previous years, at the end of the exhausting day of the ADELI Haircutting Marathon, the lock on the donation box was cut open publicly and almost theatrically! The sum exceeded 3800 Euros! In addition, Wella Professionals contributed a beautiful sum of 2000 Euros to the good cause. Their ambassador at ADELI, Mrs. Henrieta Ričány, says: “We are aware of the burden experienced by families raising a child with special needs. After many charitable activities in the Czech Republic, we have decided to help in Slovakia as well. We feel a sincere and real sympathy for the people who have to secure the rehabilitative care that children like Jerguš need from their own resources.” And there was also a touching response from ice hockey player Juraj Valach: “I would like to thank you very warmly on behalf of the whole family for this beautiful gesture that was given to my family.” – writes Jerguš’ father in a message to all involved at ADELI. He continues: “Above all, it is a gesture for my severely disabled boy Jerguš, who has a difficult path ahead of him. Thanks to all the good people, the participants of the Haircutting Marathon, and the people who came up with this idea! Thanks to all of you, Jerguš’ fight with this lifelong diagnosis will be a little easier. You deserve great thanks and I believe that these good deeds will pay off for everyone at least once in their life!”

After these wonderful words, we would like to express our thanks to the team at the ADELI Medical Center, led by the event organizer Mrs. Claudia Poidock. A thank you goes to all the hairdressers who “toiled” in a marathon-like effort: Lukáš Očenáš from Košice, the initiator, great inspirer, and motivator of the Power of Friendship, Peter Gašpar from Nitra, Mária Krpelanová from Prievidza, Barbora Škvarčeková, Júlia Sukuba, and Erika Gombošová from Bratislava, as well as Ingrid Tertinská from Michalovce and Marianna Turíková from the city of Humenné. Great thanks also go to Mary Kay, the make-up artists and visagists who completed the beautiful cuts with grace and nonchalance!

Jerguš was born in the 25th week of pregnancy and weighed 810 grams. Together with his sister Amálka, they could be saved after their mother Simona suffered a brain hemorrhage in the 22nd week of pregnancy and died after a three-week struggle. Jerguš brought with him a severe diagnosis – a quadriparetic form of cerebral palsy with uncontrollable movements, postural disorders, and the inability to maintain balance. Jerguš must learn to roll over or sit up through intensive rehabilitation, and it is also not likely (but not impossible) that he will walk. He must constantly practice gripping with his hands so that one day he can eat or drink independently. He cannot speak and is completely dependent on the help of others. His perception and communicative skills must be constantly developed. Rehabilitations are also necessary to prevent the consequences of his immobility, such as muscle atrophy and deformation of the body and limbs. The whole family focuses their strength in an exemplary manner on the care of Amálka, Jerguš’ twin sister, and on the maximum development of Jerguš, the securing of his needs, special aids, and lifelong therapeutic help.

Anyone wishing to join the relief effort can still do so directly via the Valach family's UGI association and the ADELI Foundation account:

Account number at Tatra Bank: SK72 1100 0000 0029 4201 1730, reason for payment 7777 or directly via this link: https://www.nadaciaadeli.sk/pribehy/pomahat-je-dar

From the donations to the ADELI Foundation account, the amount collected for the rehabilitation of Jerguš Valach will be credited to ADELI from 22.10.2023 until the end of the year.