SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango Student Affairs, along with the Shenango baseball team, have partnered with Laurel Technical Institute’s cosmetology program for the inaugural "Cuts for Cancer" fundraiser. The event will be held on Friday, March 7, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in the Great Hall on Penn State Shenango’s campus.
Students at both institutions, as well as local community members, are invited to attend and have their heads shaved for free by local students of Laurel Technical Institutes’s cosmetology program in support of those undergoing cancer treatment. Donations to the Dr. Edgardo Lob Memorial Cancer Care Fund through UPMC Horizon in Greenville will also be accepted during the event.
The "Cuts for Cancer" event has personal meaning for two Penn State Shenango students, Tyler and Nathan Evans. The brothers, as well as Shenango baseball players from Holiday, Florida, voiced interest in shaving their heads in support of their mother, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy in her fight against breast cancer.
“We figured as a support to her and to others fighting their fights that we could shave our heads to show that support in a unique way,” Tyler Evans said.
The idea caught on with their Shenango baseball teammates, many of whom agreed to also have their heads shaved. That’s when the duo approached the Penn State Shenango Student Affairs office to turn their idea into an official fundraising opportunity as a kick-off event leading up to the "Shenango vs. Cancer" basketball fundraiser held annually in March.
“With a lot of friends being on board with this, it's emotional that they would do this when they really don't have to,” said Nathan Evans.
“Having the support of our peers and teammates is very uplifting,” Tyler Evans said. "I am super excited to see what has started out to be a 'brother thing' turn into a campus-wide event.”
Dr. Douglas Decker, chief operating officer of Laurel, expressed his gratitude.
“We’re excited and honored to be a part of such an impactful event within this community,” Decker said. “It’s great that these students have such a heart for this cause and not only me, but our students and staff, are thankful to be asked to be a part of it.”
Cash, check and card donations can be made at the event. The Great Hall is located on the first floor of Sharon Hall on Penn State Shenango’s downtown Sharon campus. All campus parking lots are available for guest parking; visit the campus map for parking information.