UofL Medical Students Going Bald – by Choice – for Kids with Cancer
Targeted News Service |
A group of students at the
The students will hold a St. Baldrick's fundraiser
In exchange for donations, 10 medical students will have their heads shaved completely while another five will cut their ponytails to donate hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment. The foundation has matched each participant with a child battling cancer to honor at the event; some are patients at
The effort is organized nationally each year by the St. Baldrick's Foundation, founded by three reinsurance industry executives,
The need is acute because less than 5 percent of federal research funding for cancer research is allocated to childhood cancers. 'There is a strong need to invest in pediatric cancer research through programs such as St. Baldrick's," said
Second-year medical student
"So when these kids would talk about what they wanted to be when they grow up " it was hard, wondering if they would make it. That's why I wanted to support St. Baldrick's."
Getting to know a child with cancer also motivated third-year medical student
"But the amount of strength he showed everyday was amazingly inspirational. He lost his battle after three years, but he never lost his smile. Shaving my head will just be a symbolic gesture, but the money we can raise for St. Baldrick's will continue the research that will one day lead to a cure for a number of childhood cancers," said Arbonies, who played as
Arbonies wanted to get others involved as well. He approached
"I'd actually never heard of St. Baldrick's until Chris came to me with the idea," Rutherford said. "When he explained what it was and what he wanted to do, I was all for it. Combining
Other giveaways are planned as well. The students are raffling off gift cards and other prizes donated by area merchants. Drawings for each prize will be held at the
Donating items to the raffle are Baby D's Bagels,
"We are grateful to our raffle sponsors for their support," said
Passion for a cause is one thing; going bald is another. Arbonies said he does not think going bald will be a challenge. "I've shaved my head before so it's not a big deal. I think for the girls who signed up, it will be a much bigger commitment."
Ward agrees. "I've never had hair shorter than shoulder length so I'm a little nervous, a little anxious," she said. "I've talked to friends who have done it, and they have warned me that my head will be cold. So a lot of my friends have bought me caps to wear.
"But it will be worth it. Seeing those kids with cancer made me realize that maybe somebody should do something - and maybe it should be me."
TNS MT93 130131-4186267 61MarlizTagarum
Copyright: | (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |
Wordcount: | 1039 |
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News