OHSU DoernbecherDoctors, Nurse Go Bald for Kids With Cancer
WHAT: Each year a number of pediatric physicians and nurses at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have their heads shaved in support of children with cancer as part of St. Baldrick’s Day celebration. The annual celebration is a national fundraiser and raises money to support research for childhood cancer cures and fellowships in pediatric oncology worldwide.
“For many children diagnosed with cancer, the biggest concern is losing their hair, sometimes even more than losing their fight with cancer,” said Bill Chang, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics (hematology/oncology), OHSU Doernbecher, and member of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. “I hope that my head shaving brings a little light heartedness -- or headedness -- and makes an impact in funding research to find cures.”
This will be the second time Dr. Chang has shaved his head to help raise money for critical pediatric cancer research.
Last year, St. Baldrick’s raised more than $8 million and gave the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellowship more than $120,000 and funded two years’ salary for a pediatric hematology/oncology fellow.
“This is an exciting opportunity to show support for pediatric cancer survivors and raise important funds and awareness,” said Linda Stork, M.D., head, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, OHSU Doernbecher, and member of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Barracuda Nightclub and Restaurant, 9 N.W. Second Ave., Portland, OR
DETAILS: To view Dr. Chang’s pledge page, visit:http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/search.php?NewSearch=Y&SearchFormID=20090417125230&SearchFor=Participant&SearchEventYear=2009&SearchFirst=bill&SearchLast=chang&SearchForShavee=1&SearchTeamName=&x=17&y=5
To view OHSU Doernbecher pediatric oncology nurse Neva Pesterfield’s pledge page, visit:
To view the OHSU Doernbecher pediatric residency team’s page visit: www.stbaldricks.org/participants/team_info.php?TeamKey=2009-63132
St. Baldrick’s began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world’s biggest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer. In nine years, events have taken place in 18 countries and 48 US states, raising more than $50 million, and shaving more than 72,000 heads. Volunteers of all ages gather pledges toward the shaving of their heads. They are shorn on St. Baldrick’s day to show support for children undergoing cancer treatment. To participate or for more information on St. Baldrick’s, visit: www.stbaldricks.org.