Roswell Park Goes Bald in Support of Cancer Patients, Raising $40,000

More than 50 Roswell Park staff and supporters went Bald for Bucks

BUFFALO, N.Y. — More than 50 Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center employees and supporters took part in a Goin’ Bald for Bucks event today by shaving their heads or cutting their hair to raise funds and show their support for cancer patients. The participants came together to raise $40,000 for cutting-edge research and patient-care programs at Roswell Park.

“This Goin’ Bald for Bucks event allows our staff and supporters to visually show their solidarity with those who are battling cancer,” Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO said. “The money that the participants raised will accelerate the start of critically needed research projects, and it will also help us provide programs that assist our patients.”

Staff from 10 different departments, along with cancer survivors and members of the Western New York community, participated in the event to make a difference in the fight against cancer and honor those who have battled the disease. Bald for Bucks participants included Mukund Seshadri, DDS, PhD, nurse Caitlin Schrimmel and eight members of the Institute’s IT team.

“For many of our patients, losing their hair is a difficult step during their journey. By Goin’ Bald along with my colleagues, we hope to show our patients that we are with them every step of the way,” Dr. Seshadri, who has gone Bald for Bucks for five years, said.

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 $3.2 million.

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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.

Media Contact

Jessica Bagley, Senior Communications Coordinator
716-845-1027; jessica.bagley@roswellpark.org