March 16, 2011
For Immediate Release
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| Stan McKinney, assistant professor of journalism, has his head shaved by Matthew Rogers of Disco Chop Shop at last year’s St. Baldrick’s event. (Campbellsville University Photo by Andre Tomaz) |
By Richard RoBards, assistant sports information director
In three years, more than 300 men and women in the Taylor County community have shaved their heads to show solidarity to children with cancer and to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Every three minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer and one in five will die.
Sixty barbers and volunteers have contributed to the success locally of the “Shaving for a Cure” event, according to Donna Wise, event coordinator.
The community’s commitment of $55,000 raised in 2008, $35,000 in 2009 and $35,000 last year points to its understanding of the significance of St. Baldrick’s, Wise said. More than $125,000 has been raised in three years.
This year’s St. Baldrick’s event will be Saturday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Campbellsville University’s Powell Athletic gym.
Those shaving their heads will be cheered by friends, family, doctors, nurses, children and others who have been touched by cancer to further awareness to the fact that pediatric cancer, the No. 1 disease killer of children, is under funded.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation raises money and awareness globally for childhood cancer research through volunteer-driven events that pair fun with this worthy cause.
At these events, participants shave their heads in front of cheering supporters to experience for themselves one of the most stigmatizing public aspects of cancer – losing one’s hair from chemotherapy treatment.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors.
The foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow.
Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child.