"Goin' Bald for Bucks" program: RPCI CEO to shave head and mustache in honor of cancer patients

Dr. Donald L. Trump, President and CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), America's first cancer center, will have his head shaved by a Roswell Park cancer patient on March 3, 2010 to honor the Institute's 26,292 patients, and to encourage others to participate in the "Goin' Bald for Bucks" program.

Dr. Trump has dedicated his career to the fight against cancer. On March 3, at 10 am at Roswell Park, he'll make a different, and very visible, contribution to the cause when he shaves his mustache—a fixture on his face since medical school—and his entire head.

RPCI is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as one of only 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. The institute is also one of 21 members of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

"On the surface, my challenge is based in fun. But the cause behind it means so much more," said Dr. Trump. "I am doing this to honor the memory of my parents, who both died from cancer; to recognize the many students and others across our community and country who are setting a positive example through their "Goin' Bald for Bucks" participation; and to pay tribute to every patient Roswell Park has the privilege of caring for."

Dr. Trump has significant experience with the clinical aspects of vitamin D in the treatment of solid tumors and has performed more cancer clinical trials with vitamin D than anyone else in the world. He also holds both US and European patents for the use of vitamin D in cancer treatment.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment and education center, and currently serves patients from across America and the world. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York.

Since 2002, "Goin' Bald for Bucks" has raised more than $700,000 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, thanks to the many schools, organizations and individuals that have raised pledges and given up their locks for the cause. It was founded at Lake Shore High School in a suburb of Buffalo, NY, to support the sister of teacher Tony George during her cancer battle.

Donations to Dr. Trump or any Goin Bald for Bucks participant are now being accepted at www.bald4bucks.org or by phone at 716-845-8788. Individuals, companies and schools are also encouraged to register for the program.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute