Loma Linda University Health Hosts 10th Annual No-Shave November, Raising Over $14,000 for Cancer Awareness and Research

Law enforcement departments from across the Inland Empire joined forces with Loma Linda University Health leadership, the Security Department, and community members for the 10th annual No-Shave November fundraiser. This year’s event raised $14,555 to support the Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s mission to advance cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and innovative treatment.

Participants from San Bernardino County Unified School District and six law enforcement agencies — San Bernardino Police Department, Upland Police Department, Chino Police Department, Rialto Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Redlands Police Department — competed alongside Loma Linda University Health team members throughout November, showcasing their hair-growing efforts to bring attention to the cause.

“As first responders, we get to respond to life threatening events differently this time around,” said Nelson Carrington, San Bernardino Police Department Captain, whose agency donated an additional $950 at the event to their initial $4,500.

During the celebratory event held in Loma Linda University’s Centennial Complex, Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the impact of this fundraiser.

“Our goal is simple but powerful: we want every person who has faced cancer to feel not hopeless or restless but supported and filled with hope, knowing they have a team of cancer experts and researchers working tirelessly on their behalf,” Hart said. “We are stronger together, and this event is a perfect example of how a community can come together to make a lasting impact.”

This year’s month-long friendly competition included unique categories such as hairiest legs, best eyebrows, best head of hair, best beard attempt, best mustache, and best beard. Winners were announced during an award ceremony led by John Marshall, director of security for Loma Linda University Health, Helen Staples-Evans, senior vice president for patient care service, and Darren Goodman, Chief of the San Bernardino Police Department, with participants receiving lighthearted accolades for their contributions to cancer awareness. 

In a symbolic end to the event, a pop-up barbershop offered free straight-razor shaves, closing the chapter on a month of letting it grow for a cause.

Judy Chatigny, RN, MSN, assistant vice president of the Cancer Center, commended participants for their support over the past decade. “These contributions are fueling research and care that give our patients hope and healing as we pursue National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for our Cancer Center.”

Some targeted programs for the future of Cancer Center include:

• Cell Therapy: Modulation and/or genetic modification of a patient's cells to attack their cancer
• Theranostics: Develop molecules that can image and kill cancer cells
• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): Precision medicine approach to target challenging-to-treat tumors

The annual No-Shave November event continues to inspire community unity and amplify awareness for cancer prevention and treatment.

The Loma Linda University Cancer Center offers leading-edge cancer care and research to patients in the Inland Empire and beyond. With a focus on compassionate care, innovative treatments, and advancing cancer research, the center is dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for patients and their families.

For more information about the Cancer Center or to support its initiatives, visit lluhealth.org/cancer.