‘Movember’ Raises $12,000+

With the participation of over 150 men and women from Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) 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. An event was held to celebrate the conclusion of Movember at LLUH Monday, Nov. 30. Loma Linda University Medical Center CEO, Kerry Heinrich expressed his appreciation to all those who participated. “We can not thank members of law enforcement enough for their dedication to serving this community,” he said. “The commitment of the San Bernardino Police Department through this first ever partnership is very special to us.” The partnership between the police department and LLUH came to fruition after 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 those individuals who let their beards and legs go unshaven during the month of November, and winners were recognized with a plaque for their participation. 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 Winners from Loma Linda University Health were: • Terry Hansen • Trevor Wright • Kevin Lang • Kerry Heinrich • Lyndon Edwards The judges were Vicky Ramirez, breast cancer survivor; LLU Cancer Center director, Dr. Mark Reeves; Mayor of San Bernardino, Carey Davis; and City of San Bernardino council member Benito J. Barrios. Three local barbers were on hand at the event offering free shaves to those who wished to do away with their month-long growth of facial hair. Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart 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.