UC's Future Physicians Raise Over $13K by Going Bald for Pediatric Cancer Patients

CINCINNATI—The goal was to raise $11,000 for pediatric cancer research—and isn’t it just like University of Cincinnati students to overachieve!

"We’re nearing $14,000 and hope to have a few more thousand come in before May,” UC College of Medicine second-year student Jamie Lovell said of exceeding their goal at the head-shaving event on St. Baldrick’s Day, March 18.

Approximately 20 medical students and one faculty member, Edmund Choi, PhD, had their heads shaved to show solidarity for the cause named for a fusion of "St. Patrick’s Day” and "bald.”

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation coordinates worldwide head-shaving events that raise money for childhood cancer research. According to the foundation, since  2005 it has funded over $56.9 million in childhood cancer research. In 2010, volunteers helped raise more than $22.2 million by hosting more than 800 events and shaving more than 38,200 heads.

This is the second year the event has been organized by UC medical students who belong to the pediatric club and the oncology club—and Laura Wexler, MD, senior associate dean of student affairs, seems to have added the title of chief barber to her credentials.

"This kind of charitable support is a very meaningful experience for the students,” says Wexler.