Sigma Alpha Epsilon raises money to support cancer research

SAE member Dakota Hepke joins the support of cancer research at Sunday’s fundraising event where brothers both gave and received buzz cuts. SAE has generated more than $5000 in donations to the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

By Anna Meany–

Sunday marked the annual Buzz for a Cure, hosted by Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Talking with Abhi Mehta, president of the Sigma chapter of SAE, he says this fall’s event has shown the best fundraising so far.

In its third year, the brothers invite everyone to visit Bernie’s Volleyball for a “day of fundraising, cooking out, sand volleyball and … gentlemen who care for the cause symbolically buzzing their hair.”

The annual event encourages young men to shave their heads for a $10 preferred donation in support of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, a member of U of L healthcare, whose work affects the greater Louisville community.

Event director Jon Glass started Buzz for a Cure three years ago after his father was diagnosed with cancer – brothers stepped up not only in support of Jon’s dad, but cancer patients everywhere. Surprised every year by the turnout, he curates the fundraiser to promote awareness and realizes that what they’re doing is “only minimal in comparison to his battle.”

Parents and cancer survivors joined SAE on Sunday for grilling out and playing volleyball.

The gentlemen of SAE aren’t strangers to philanthropy – they’ve partnered with Bernie’s Volleyball for other events, like Slam N’ Jam, an annual spring volleyball tournament benefitting Kosair’s Children’s Hospital. “SAE also generates a great deal of fundraising throughout the year for Relay for Life,” an organization that benefits the American Cancer Society. Mehta mentions that even survivors attend the fundraiser, including Jon’s dad, – calling it an experience that “really helps (them) put (their) lives back into perspective.”

The act of shaving one’s head in support of cancer victims is not uncommon. “Getting your hair shaved or buzzed gives you a priceless sense of gratitude” says Mehta. Events in Louisville, such as “St Baldrick’s Day” at Fourth Street Live also work to promote the awareness and support of cancer research. And country music artist Kellie Pickler recently shaved her head on Good Morning America in support of her best friend, who is currently diagnosed with breast cancer.

The brothers don’t intend to halt their support anytime soon, “hoping that one day our society can move past this devastating illness as a whole.”

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Photos: Eric Voet/The Louisville Cardinal