Shorn for the Cause
On Friday, March 19, several pediatric oncologists from Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center and members of the Duke rugby team got their heads shaved during one of the world’s largest fundraising events for childhood cancer research. Their brave commitment shows solidarity with the thousands of children going through painful treatments, losing their hair in the process. Most people don’t realize that cancer kills more children in the U.S. than any other disease--more than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies, combined. Yet funding for pediatric oncology research remains critically low.
“The main reason we're here is to support these kids," said Ray Barfield, MD, PHD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Hematology-Oncology. ”I am--we all are--just bowled over by their courage. what we're doing here doesn't come close to what they do, not by an infinite amount."
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to fund childhood cancer research, is marking a major milestone this year. As part of its mission to cure childhood cancer, St. Baldrick’s will observe the 10th anniversary of its first head-shaving event which started the get bald and be a hero for kids with cancer movement. At St. Baldrick’s events, volunteers get bald to raise money and stand in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments. Since the first head-shaving event on St. Patrick’s Day in 2000, St. Baldrick’s has contributed more than $50.5 million dollars to pediatric cancer research and held events around the globe.
About the St. Baldrick’s Foundation
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. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!), donors and sponsors.
Photo Gallery 2010
|
|
|
1 of 28
