Eighteen students from National University went under the razor to “Brave the Shave” at a fundraising event on Friday, March 20. The group, NUHS Future Docs, had their heads shaved to help raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which is dedicated to pediatric cancer research. NUHS students raised a total of $5,010 through pledges, donations and sponsorships.

The NUHS Future Docs participated in the St. Baldrick’s Foundation event in honor of fellow student Jen Pishotta and her daughter Kadina.  Kadina, a cancer survivor at age 11, had been diagnosed and treated for Wilm’s Tumor in early childhood and is currently in remission.

Organizer Jill Jennings says, “I decided to challenge my colleagues to step up and out of their comfort zone for a great cause.” Jill says she likes her new look.  “Around campus there are eighteen of us who look this way now, so we can give each other support.”

What is it like to “Brave the Shave?” You can see before and after photos for individual members and the whole team by linking to the NUHS Future Docs page on the St. Baldrick’s site.

The St. Baldrick’s event, held at the Naperville Marriott, drew a total of 169 people and raised a total of over $94,000, including the share contributed by the NUHS group.

Student participation in the event was sponsored by the NUHS chapter of the Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS). Student organizations at NUHS have a long tradition of community service, often serving in ways that promote health awareness, research and accessibility of care for those with medical needs.