2008 Woodie Awards
Biology Club Raises Funds for Cancer Research
Emily Liebling
Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Science and Health
Last month, the words "Candy sale for charity!" were heard throughout the lobby of Stern College for Women's 245 Lexington Avenue building. During the week of February 18, the Biology Club ran a fundraising event to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the world's largest volunteer-driven foundation for childhood cancer research.
The SCW community exhibited great generosity with their donations to the cause. At the end of the week, every last Hershey's candy bar was sold, amounting to $300 in proceeds.
St. Baldrick's operation began on St. Patrick's Day, 1999 at an office party. The founders of St. Baldrick's, Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell, jumpstarted the organization by transforming the party into a fundraising event. At the soiree, McDonnell volunteered to shave his head for donations, reflecting the many children who lose their hair during cancer treatment.
The stunt raised $104,000 and McDonnell's example exploded into a hugely popular trend. Eight years since that fateful day, over 46,000 volunteers have become "shavees," raising a total of $33 million. Thirteen research fellowships have been granted and $60 million endowed to 230 research institutions to attempt to find a cure for the disease that is the cause of the largest percentage of childhood deaths in the United States and Canada.
The Stern Biology Club's involvement in the St. Baldrick's Foundation began with one of SCW's own faculty members. While reading about a specific type of cancer called sarcoma for her own research, Dr. Marina Holz, Biology Club faculty advisor and professor, was amazed to see that the disease affects only one percent of adults, but is attributed to 20% of all childhood cancers. In addition, sarcomas do not respond well to chemotherapy, are therefore particularly hard to treat, and all the more devastating.
"While gathering information, I came across the St. Baldrick's website and got inspired by their message," explained Holz. "We often hear about other type of cancers that affect mainly adults, such as breast, lung and prostate, and I wanted to raise awareness and contributions toward childhood cancer research."
The candy sale volunteers expressed similar sentiments, indicating that creating awareness is crucial. "I had a friend who shaved his head for St. Baldrick's, so I had already heard of the organization," said Nava Billet (SCW '09). Cancer research is always a great cause, so if I could help by sitting at a table and selling candy, then that's my little effort that I'm only too happy to contribute."
The Biology Club acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Holz and the 13 volunteers, in addition to the club's board, who helped plan, organize, and work for the candy sale.
To get involved with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, please visit the organization's website at www.stbaldricks.org.
The SCW community exhibited great generosity with their donations to the cause. At the end of the week, every last Hershey's candy bar was sold, amounting to $300 in proceeds.
St. Baldrick's operation began on St. Patrick's Day, 1999 at an office party. The founders of St. Baldrick's, Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell, jumpstarted the organization by transforming the party into a fundraising event. At the soiree, McDonnell volunteered to shave his head for donations, reflecting the many children who lose their hair during cancer treatment.
The stunt raised $104,000 and McDonnell's example exploded into a hugely popular trend. Eight years since that fateful day, over 46,000 volunteers have become "shavees," raising a total of $33 million. Thirteen research fellowships have been granted and $60 million endowed to 230 research institutions to attempt to find a cure for the disease that is the cause of the largest percentage of childhood deaths in the United States and Canada.
The Stern Biology Club's involvement in the St. Baldrick's Foundation began with one of SCW's own faculty members. While reading about a specific type of cancer called sarcoma for her own research, Dr. Marina Holz, Biology Club faculty advisor and professor, was amazed to see that the disease affects only one percent of adults, but is attributed to 20% of all childhood cancers. In addition, sarcomas do not respond well to chemotherapy, are therefore particularly hard to treat, and all the more devastating.
"While gathering information, I came across the St. Baldrick's website and got inspired by their message," explained Holz. "We often hear about other type of cancers that affect mainly adults, such as breast, lung and prostate, and I wanted to raise awareness and contributions toward childhood cancer research."
The candy sale volunteers expressed similar sentiments, indicating that creating awareness is crucial. "I had a friend who shaved his head for St. Baldrick's, so I had already heard of the organization," said Nava Billet (SCW '09). Cancer research is always a great cause, so if I could help by sitting at a table and selling candy, then that's my little effort that I'm only too happy to contribute."
The Biology Club acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Holz and the 13 volunteers, in addition to the club's board, who helped plan, organize, and work for the candy sale.
To get involved with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, please visit the organization's website at www.stbaldricks.org.
Be the first to comment on this story