Roswell Park Goes Bald for Bucks in Support of Cancer Patients, Raising More than $40,000

BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than 55 Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center employees and supporters went Bald for Bucks today to raise funds for the fight against cancer, and to show their support for patients and their families. The group, called “Team Roswell,” came together to raise more than $40,000 for Roswell Park’s research and patient-care programs.

“Many of the individuals who went Bald for Bucks today are Roswell Park employees and are constantly giving their time and efforts to support our patients. By Goin’ Bald, they truly went the extra mile, demonstrating their solidarity with all those who are battling,” said Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO, Roswell Park. “Because of the funds they raised, we will be able to fund new, groundbreaking cancer research projects and provide compassionate quality-of-life programs that lend a helping hand to patients at a time when they need it most.”

Employees from a wide range of departments took part in Team Roswell’s annual Bald for Bucks event, with the roster of participants including nurses, data managers, researchers and administrators, as well as community members. The team was led by captain Mukund Seshadri, DDS, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

“Bald for Bucks is an inspiring tradition that supports our patients and cancer research programs at Roswell Park, and it’s also a fun way to raise awareness and funding for our fight against cancer,” said Dr. Seshadri, who went Bald for the first time six years ago after losing his uncle to lymphoma. “Personally, I consider shaving my head to be a very small gesture that demonstrates to our patients that we are with them in their fight.”

Goin’ Bald for Bucks began in 2002, when Western New Yorker Cathleen George was being treated for cancer. Her brother, Tony, vowed to keep his head shaved until his sister’s hair grew back. Tony, a teacher at Lake Shore High School, shared his plan with his students. One student suggested they raise money while shaving Tony’s head, and Bald for Bucks was born. To date, Bald for Bucks participants have raised more than $4 million. Individuals, schools and organizations can start their own Bald for Bucks event or join a community event by visiting BaldforBucks.org.

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The mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.