In what is sure to be seen as a major fashion movement, trendsetters from all over the Denver metro area will shave their heads on Friday, June 26, in support of the Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation (
www.andrecenter.org).
This mass shaving of heads, which will take place at Rock Bottom Brewery on the corner of 16 th and Curtis Streets in downtown Denver, is all for the annual Bald is Beautiful event. The event, hosted by the Rock Bottom Foundation, raises money and awareness for the Andre Center, a one-of-a-kind nonprofit that provides
clinical education and coordination of care and navigation to breast cancer patients.
Men and women, both young and old, are encouraged to participate in this unique event. There is no age restriction, and both cancer survivors and friends and family of survivors are invited to participate.
Participating in Bald is Beautiful is simple. A $25 registration fee and signed release waiver are required of all participants. Those interested are also encouraged to ask friends and family for pledges-donations made in
support of those willing to volunteer for a trendy buzz cut or to become a bald beauty. Money raised will go directly to the Andre Center, a
place that offers understanding and peace of mind for many whose situation is laden with anxiety and uncertainty. Sponsors of the event include: Rock Bottom Foundation and Rock Bottom Brewery as Hosting Sponsor; Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital - Platinum Sponsor; Denver Vein Center - Gold Sponsor; Exempla Lutheran Hospital - Silver Sponsor; and Medical Center of Aurora; ONE Realty; Denver Daily News,
Signal Graphics - Bronze Sponsors.
Sandy
Scheeler, a breast cancer survivor
diagnosed at 29, and former care recipient of the Andre Center, has been volunteering at Bald is Beautiful since its inception.
"It's such a cool event," said
Scheeler, who now sits on the board of directors for the Andre Center. "It's touched me pretty
deeply." According to Walters, the peace of mind that cancer patients receive from the Andre Center remains with them long after treatments cease.
Terri Machuga was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of this year and went to the Andre Center for help. Machuga had no insurance and no way to pay for her treatment
, but the Andre Center was able to help connect her
not only to breast cancer surgery but to breast reconstruction-something unheard of for those without insurance.
"I don't know what I would have done without
Sandra and the Andre Center. I just kept getting turned away," said Machuga, who is recovering
from her recent surgery and hopes to participate in Bald is Beautiful this year.
Marissa Yandall is a young woman who has
shaved her head at Bald is Beautiful since it began in 2004. The daughter of the Andre Center's director, Yandall often sees firsthand the effects that breast cancer has on women and their families.
"I believe the act of shaving your hair, especially for a woman, gives you an opportunity to experience life in a different way and become more sensitive to people we view as 'different'," said Yandall.
"Shavee" pledge information can be obtained by calling the Andre Center, at 303-388-2441.
About Andre Center
The Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation was founded in May 2006 and is the only nonprofit of its kind. The Andre Center works to provide peace of mind to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their friends and family, free-of-charge. This is accomplished through helping patients navigate the complexities of the medical system, coaching them through treatment decisions and providing them with non-medical resources for which a need may arise. The Andre Center is partnered with Women's Wellness Connection, the state's breast and cervical cancer screening program, was named a 2007 Yoplait Champion for extraordinary contributions in breast cancer education and navigation and was the recipient of the 2008 National Nursing Excellence Award in Community Service.