THE LATEST 'HEAD'LINES

Tulane Medical Students Get Bald to Support Childhood Cancer Research

Tulane University is expected to have more than 100 medical students and staff members shave their heads today to raise money for life-saving childhood cancer research!

Tulane’s event is unique because it is organized entirely by first- and second-year students at Tulane University School of Medicine, and amongst those shaving is Evan Guerrero and Anna Karra, first year medical students.

Since moving to New Orleans and beginning medical school, Evan has learned about many causes, but to him “none more honorable than the fight against cancer in our youth.” Evan is shaving in honor of two special St. Baldrick’s Honored Kids who have been treated locally at New Orleans Hospitals, Erasmo, diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma and Mia, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Evan shares, “The story of Erasmo's fight through his tremendous battle, with all of the complications and difficulties he had to face, brought me to tears. Seeing Mia's profile struck a chord with me as well, because of the heartwarming smile she has in her picture and how happy she looks despite all that she has been through at such a young age.”

As a first-year student, Evan has yet to choose a field of specialty but says that pediatric oncology is something that he is especially interested in.

Anna has currently raised more than $2,000 for the cause, but admits that she was hesitant to shave her head at first.

“Most of those fears revolved around what other people would think and whether I would look strange. They seem like such small concerns now. My hair will grow back. I am not battling cancer. My "bravery" only sheds light on that of others: the cancer researchers and health professionals committed to their patients, the families who provide unfailing care and love, and the children themselves. It's a wonderful feeling to rally people for a cause, so that as a community we contribute to the research that will give pediatric cancer patients a better chance for a long, beautiful life. It also feels wonderful to remember that bald is beautiful too.”

Over the last four years, Tulane University has raised over $253,000 by shaving more than 500 heads. So far this year, the students and staff have raised more than $27,000 to support childhood cancer research. Thank you Tulane for your ongoing support and good luck to Evan, Anna and all the students and staff shaving their heads today!