Some CU Boulder students might seem a little less hairy these days.
That’s because nearly 320 Boulder community members donated their locks at the UMC fountain on March 12 and at the Foundry on March 14 for the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation.
According to the organization’s Web site, it is the largest volunteer organization in the world dedicated to combating childhood cancer and the donated hair is used to make wigs for children who have bare heads due to chemotherapy or radiation.
Jennifer Binder, 21, a junior biochemistry major and HERD member, was in charge of organizing the March 12 event on campus and praised the organization’s efforts.
“The Saint Baldrick’s Foundation moves mountains,” Binder said. “They are going to make a difference in finding a cure for cancer.”
However, it was a very difficult event for several participants.
“For some shavees, it was a very emotional process,” Binder said. “I found myself crying along with the girls who saw their bald heads for the first time.”
While several CU students plan to continue showing support, Anne Schwener, 20, a junior international affairs major, said that she will support it but under one condition.
“I would donate to the cause, but I would cut my hair off really short before I would shave my head.” Schwener said.
The Saint Baldrick’s Day Web site stated that more than 27,000 shavees representing 48 US states and several countries including Canada, Hong Kong, and Brazil raised $17 million dollars for the organization in 2008.
So far this year, the Web site reports that more than 24,000 people have raised more than $7 million dollars in cancer research.
To find about more information about the Saint Baldrick Foundation, including donation and volunteer information, visit their Web site at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/index.php.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jacob Elyachar at Elyachar@Colorado.edu.
