Students shave heads to support cancer research

Dozens of Tulane students, staff members and volunteers will brave a close shave this Friday in support of kids with cancer. The annual fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation brings in thousands of dollars each year to help fund childhood cancer research.

This is the eighth year for the event organized by first and second-year Tulane School of Medicine students. More than 600 heads have been shaved at Tulane, raising upwards of $300,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Mark Hoof is shaving his head to honor his best friend. “We grew up playing soccer together and before our senior season together Nick was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma,” says Hoof. “When he was diagnosed his dreams of playing Division I soccer were all but lost. Nick beat his cancer and went on to fulfill his dream of playing soccer and has done incredible things for others since, including building soccer fields for children in Africa. Nick's fight, drive and love of others is an example that I try to follow every day. I'm shaving my head to honor Nick and everything he overcame and today does for others.”

St. Baldrick’s Day at Tulane is this Friday, February 17 from 12 to 3 p.m. The event will be held in the atrium of Tulane Medical Center. To donate and get more information, click here.