With the participation of over 150 men and women from Loma Linda University Health and the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD), more than $12,000 was raised for Loma Linda University Cancer Center during the month of November, or “No Shave Movember,” the month-long initiative where participants forgo shaving in an effort to raise awareness about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A celebratory event was held Nov. 30 in conclusion of Movember at Loma Linda University Health. Loma Linda University Medical Center CEO Kerry Heinrich, JD, expressed his appreciation to all those who participated.
“We cannot thank members of law enforcement enough for their dedication to serving this community,” Heinrich said. “The commitment of the San Bernardino Police Department through this first-ever partnership is very special to us.”
The partnership was initiated between the police department and Loma Linda University Health when several of SBPD employees expressed an interest in participating in Movember.
“It was important that our participation in a nationwide movement have meaning and purpose,” said Jarrod Burguan, chief of police. “Loma Linda was an obvious partner as the premier medical center in the region.”
A four-person panel judged individuals who let their beards and legs go unshaven during the month of November, and winners were recognized with a plaque for their participation. The judges were Vicky Ramirez, breast cancer survivor; LLU Cancer Center director Mark Reeves, MD; mayor of San Bernardino Carey Davis; and city of San Bernardino councilmember Benito J. Barrios.
Winners from Loma Linda University Health were:
• Terry Hansen, MPH, chief operating officer, Loma Linda University Medical Center
• Trevor Wright, MHA, senior vice president, adult hospital services
• Kevin Lang, MBA, executive vice president, finance and administration/CFO
• Kerry Heinrich, JD, CEO, Loma Linda University Medical Center
• Lyndon Edwards, MBA, MHS, senior vice president, LLUMC East Campus, LLU Surgical Hospital and LLU Behavioral Medicine Center
Winners from the San Bernardino Police Department were:
• Hairiest legs — Sgt. Vicky Cervantes
• Best mustache — Det. Von Verbanic
• Ugliest Beard — Ofc. Clint Walton
• Whitest Beard — Capt. Paul Williams
• Best Beard — Ofc. Robert Leonidas Retamoza
The event concluded with three local barbers on hand providing free shaves to those who wished to do away with their month-long growth of facial hair. Loma Linda University Health president Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, was the first to brave the shave. While he allowed his beard to grow through the month, it had been at least 15 years since he’d been clean-shaven.
Watch the video below to see the good, the bad and the ugly beards that helped to raise money toward cancer research.