In a lifetime, an average person will grow 590 miles of hair. We lose 40-100 hairs each day, so why not give it all up temporarily in the name of cancer research? That’s the message from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the country’s largest volunteer-supported fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.
Again this year, our dedicated group of physicians, nurses and staff answered that call and joined the St. Baldrick’s mission. Through the support of individual sponsors, each volunteer “shavee” collected money for the foundation. In exchange, they shed their hair July 11 in the Durham Outpatient Center to show solidarity with patients who’ve lost their hair during cancer treatment.
“It’s hard enough for kids with cancer to deal with being sick, let alone looking sick too, without their hair,” says Mandy Arens, pediatric oncology nurse practitioner. “Now these staff members will sport the same ‘do’ to show support for how their young patients are feeling.”
This year, more than 16 people shaved their heads, raising more than $6,500. Anyone interested in donating to St. Baldrick’s Foundation can do so online at www.stbaldricks.org