In an effort to identify with their young cancer patients and raise much needed funds, these two doctors and other staff members at their medical centers will conduct a shave-a-thon.
It has been determined that more children die from cancer in the U.S. than from any other disease.
National funding for childhood cancer has been on the decline in the past several years. Yet the U.S. National Cancer Institute estimates that children diagnosed with cancer are still on the rise annually.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation began in 1999. This program claims to be the world's largest volunteer fundraiser for children with cancer.
The event in Nebraska will take place at the Durham Outpatient Center West Atrium, as a local barber has volunteered to do the shaving.
The following week, the doctors will attend Camp CoHoLo, which stands for courage, hope and love, with many of their young patients with cancer.
"It's hard enough for kids with cancer to deal with being sick, let alone looking sick too, without their hair," said Suzanne Nuss, R.N., Ph.D., pediatric oncology clinical nurse specialist at The Nebraska Medical Center.
"Now these doctors will sport the same 'do' at camp to show support and solidarity for how their young patients are feeling. At the same time, they will likely raise a few eyebrows and awareness for the support of cancer research," adds Nuss.
For donations to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, contact Sue Nuss by e-mail at slnuss@nebraskamed.com .
