Doctors going ‘bald’ to benefit cancer research

On July 16, an area of campus will be transformed into a barbershop to raise money for childhood cancer research.

Three pediatric oncologists — Alfred Grovas, M.D., Donald Coulter, M.D. and Bruce Gordon, M.D. — have agreed to give up their hair at the Shave-A-Thon to benefit The St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The event will be Friday, July 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the commons area between the Durham Research Center towers, 45th & Emile Streets.

Fighting cancer The St. Baldrick’s Foundation was started in 1999 and is the world’s largest volunteer fund-raising program for childhood cancer. Each year, childhood cancer takes the lives of more U.S. children than any other disease – more than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined. National funding for childhood cancer research has slipped in recent years, and events like this head-shaving challenge help raise money and start conversations.

The doctors won’t be the only ones shaving their heads, a number of nurses and other medical center staff as well some staff’s family members have signed up as well.

“It’s hard enough for kids with cancer to deal with being sick, let alone looking sick too, without their hair,” said registered nurse Becky Hoff, event organizer and pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant case manager at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Now these doctors will sport the same ‘do’ to show support for how their young patients are feeling.”

If you are interested in donating to St. Baldrick’s Foundation or shaving your head for the cause, contact Hoff at 559-6589. Donations also will be accepted at the event.