Augusta University
Staff
The decision to brave the shave was an easy one for Caryn Bird. As a graduate research student, in Dr. Theodore Johnson’s lab, Caryn has seen firsthand pediatric patients battle against cancer.
“Brave the Shave was an event that appealed to me because it was a bigger way to support kids with cancer and show the world that I stand with these kids who fight battles every day of the year,” said Caryn.
Caryn and the other participants had their heads shaved in the lobby of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. It was all to honor children with cancer and to raise funds to help find a cure.
“I knew people would notice my drastically different hair style and would probably ask about it, which would give me a good opportunity to share with them about the realities of childhood cancer and the harshness of the current treatments,” said Caryn.
Caryn donated six braided portions of her 16-inch long locks to Children with Hair Loss, an organization that makes wigs for children who have medical hair loss due to cancer treatment and other conditions.
“Children with Hair Loss provides the wigs free of charge with all the necessary care products and replace them each year as needed until the child is 21 years old,” said Caryn. “This was the seventh time that I have donated my hair to various organizations.”
The second annual Brave the Shave event kicked off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Participants were asked to raise $100 or more and shave their heads in honor of a child with cancer. This year, participants raised more than $13,126 for the kids at Children’s!
Francis Anazodo
