2009-2010
News Release
REF NO.: 106
SUBJECT: Hairy leg challenge for cervical cancer screening and awareness
DATE: January 21, 2010
Two medical students have come up with a unique way of raising funds and awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening.
They are dubbing February as “Feb-U-Hairy” month and challenging women and men to grow leg hair from Feb. 1-Feb. 26.
Kathleen Callanan and Angelique Myles, both first-year medical students at Memorial, came up with this fundraising idea and approached Planned Parenthood as a potential partner. “We received an enthusiastic response, and all funds raised will be donated to Planned Parenthood in support of their Pap clinics,” said Ms. Callanan.
Ms. Myles explained that 90 per cent of cervical cancer can be prevented by regular Pap tests, but women in Newfoundland and Labrador have one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country.
“This fundraiser will draw attention to this women’s health issue by engaging the public in a light-hearted challenge involving the growth of leg hair.”
The concept, explained Ms. Callanan, stems from the MOvember prostate cancer campaign, a successful fundraiser that encourages men to collect donations from sponsors in support of their efforts to grow facial hair during the month of November.
As a local sister campaign, “Feb-U-Hairy” encourages women (and men) to collect donations from sponsors in support of their leg hair growth. A registration form can be downloaded at www.nlsexualhealthcentre.org , or for more information e-mail febuhairy2010@gmail.com.
A closing party for participants will be held Feb. 26 at the Loft on the third floor of the University Centre, with guest speakers and prizes.
REF NO.: 106
SUBJECT: Hairy leg challenge for cervical cancer screening and awareness
DATE: January 21, 2010
Two medical students have come up with a unique way of raising funds and awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening.
They are dubbing February as “Feb-U-Hairy” month and challenging women and men to grow leg hair from Feb. 1-Feb. 26.
Kathleen Callanan and Angelique Myles, both first-year medical students at Memorial, came up with this fundraising idea and approached Planned Parenthood as a potential partner. “We received an enthusiastic response, and all funds raised will be donated to Planned Parenthood in support of their Pap clinics,” said Ms. Callanan.
Ms. Myles explained that 90 per cent of cervical cancer can be prevented by regular Pap tests, but women in Newfoundland and Labrador have one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country.
“This fundraiser will draw attention to this women’s health issue by engaging the public in a light-hearted challenge involving the growth of leg hair.”
The concept, explained Ms. Callanan, stems from the MOvember prostate cancer campaign, a successful fundraiser that encourages men to collect donations from sponsors in support of their efforts to grow facial hair during the month of November.
As a local sister campaign, “Feb-U-Hairy” encourages women (and men) to collect donations from sponsors in support of their leg hair growth. A registration form can be downloaded at www.nlsexualhealthcentre.org , or for more information e-mail febuhairy2010@gmail.com.
A closing party for participants will be held Feb. 26 at the Loft on the third floor of the University Centre, with guest speakers and prizes.
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