Medical students go bald for good cause

Maurice Pescitelli, research assistant professor in anatomy and cell biology, shaves med student Andrew Donaldson’s head.

UIC students and community members shaved their heads to help children with cancer in a student-run St. Baldrick’s event.

College of Medicine students from the Chicago Cancer Society student organization hosted the head-shaving fundraiser March 21 at Hawkeye’s Bar & Grill. About 100 people attended the event, said organizer Ben Park, a first-year medical student.

“Last year’s event raised about $18,000,” Park said. “Our goal was to at least raise that amount, but this year we were up to $19,000.”

Children as young as 12 years old mustered up the moxie to go bald at the fundraiser. Some who weren’t originally signed up to shave their heads drew inspiration from those that did and volunteered on the spot.

Park didn’t shave his head this time around, but after seeing those who did, he will reconsider next year.

“Next year I’ll test my courage to shave my head,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”