Going bald for a cause

By W.C. Lawson, Staff Writer lawson14@up.edu

Sophomore Erin Marshall knows what it's like to watch someone suffer from cancer.

She's watched a childhood friend fight devestating disease, and she's helped children with cancer at a hospital, some who won't make it to adulthood.

Now, Marshall is committed to raising money for cancer research, even if it means drastically changing her hair style.

Marshall recently shaved her head to raise more than $1,000 for cancer research.

"Cancer is something that touches everyone," Erin said. "I want to do what I can to help spread the word."

On March 30, Marshall raised about $1,200 at the St. Baldrick's Foundation head-shaving event in Oakland, Calif. St. Baldrick's raises more money for children's cancer research than any other organization in the country.

Marshall has dedicated over half her life to supporting the fight against cancer and raised over $8,000 in 12 years of involvement with Relay for Life. For this year's Relay, she is on the "Mehling Fights Cancer" team and also is on the Relay for Life Committee.

Marshall particularly wants to raise awareness and support for the fight against children's cancers.

One of Marshall's childhood friends was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 13. As a survivor who now attends Pepperdine University, she joined Marshall in Oakland to shave her head.

"She had to go bald because of cancer once before," Marshall said. "But this time, her head was shaved by choice."

Marshall realized her passion for children's cancer research when she volunteered at the St. Jude children's hospital in Memphis, Tenn. in summer 2011. One child she worked with passed away last September.

"No one expects their child to pass away from cancer," Marshall said. "Relay For Life is a great organization, but it only focuses on adult cancers. I want to lean more towards helping children."

Marshall thinks many people in the medical field don't focus on searching for cancer when children are reported to be ill, like they do for adults. Marshall said by the time kids are diagnosed, the problem becomes exasperated because the treatments can cause secondary cancer.

"People don't realize childhood cancer is underfunded. The problem is not enough people think childhood cancer research is profitable because there are less kids diagnosed with cancer than adults," Marshall said. "To me, any child diagnosed with cancer is one too many."

Marshall's friend, freshman Zarah Gaeta, said it is impressive that Marshall was willing to shave her head.

"It speaks all about her character," Gaeta said. "She is really inspirational. A lot of people are amazed and proud of her."

Marshall chose to come to UP for its prominent nursing program. She wants to continue working with kids and hopes to work as a pediatric oncologist.

Even though Marshall admits cutting all of her hair off was a little nerve-wracking, she said, overall, it has been a very positive experience.

"Here at UP I've received nothing but support," Marshall said. "I'd love to attend more St. Baldrick's events and even get a team to shave their heads with me."