DMU students aim bigger, balder at second annual head-shaving event

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A DMU student shaves her head for cancer research at the 2013 St. Baldrick's Day celebration

DES MOINES, IA (02/20/2014)(readMedia)-- After a successful inaugural event that shaved dozens of heads and raised $20,000 for childhood cancer research, Des Moines University students are aiming for more donations and bald heads at the second annual St. Baldrick's Day celebration on February 25.

Thirty-five Des Moines University students, staff and faculty have signed up to shave their heads or cut their long locks to help conquer childhood cancer. The event kicks off at noon in the Student Education Center, 3300 Grand Avenue, with presentations by a cancer researcher and a family struck by the effects of childhood cancer. The shaving and cutting commences at 1 p.m. and continues throughout the afternoon.

"Childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded, which is why events like this are so important. We invite the entire community to join our students, staff and faculty to make a strong impact on the devastating effects of childhood cancer," says event organizer and osteopathic medical student Jake Murray.

The money raised will benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity committed to finding cures for childhood cancers and giving survivors long, healthy lives. The foundation's signature head-shaving events help fund the most promising cancer research.

"Children are a special group of patients. They have not had the opportunity to make poor choices that could negatively affect their health. Their cancer was just a random happenstance and it is sad to see their lives affected by such a devastating event," says Houston Lui, Class of 2016 D.O. student. "Shaving my head is just a small way that I can show support for such a wonderful cause. Hopefully it will help raise some money, but ultimately I hope it brings awareness to my friends and my community."

Participation in DMU's St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser is open to the community. Walk-in shavees or hair donors are welcome. If you are interested in creating a team or registering for this event, please visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/dmu.

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Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration, anatomy, biomedical sciences and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.