On Tuesday, Nov. 20, twelve University of Richmond faculty members and staff played in a Bald Basketball halftime game to support David Dean, an economics professor who was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.
Dean's friends and colleagues raised awareness of Dean's disease at the men's basketball game against Wofford College; many of them have shaved their heads to support him as he goes through chemotherapy. But, support for Dean began with Corey Janacky and Rob Phillips, who shaved their heads after Dean began his chemo treatments. Their haircuts inspired Bobby Hayes to create what became the Bald Basketball event, which was meant to show Dean his colleagues' prayers and love.
"Some of us decided to also cut our hair off in support of our friend and colleague David," Hayes said. "At that point, it grew from there. We contacted everyone via email, and Seth Hickerson and I set up the Milhiser gym to invite anyone early to cut their hair before the game."
The event featured Team Cardiac, whose members were Hickerson, Hayes, Erik Craft, John Earl, and Hank Chambers, competing against Team Orthopedic, featuring Rob Phillips, Earl Lee, J.P. Laurenceau-Medina, Jeff Pollack, Byron Braxton, and Gerry Gilfoyle. Although all twelve men did not shave their heads, each played in the game.
"I also had a great 30-minute conversation with David before I decided to go forward with this, to make sure he was okay with it," Hayes said. "He was ecstatic. It cheered him up."
The Bald Basketball game helped raise awareness for how people can donate to cancer research and treatment through organizations such as the Massey Cancer Center and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
"To be able to participate in a fun-filled, action-packed half time performance was great," Hickerson said. "But more importantly, it provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the battle that our friend David Dean is going through and how others can help in the cause. We are fortunate to be part of such a tight-knit community here at UR."
Hayes had a special connection to the game. He previously suffered from Hodgkins Lymphoma and overcame it after six months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation. Hayes and his colleagues will continue to support Dean until he is cancer free, as well.
"All the faculty and staff supported me, and it made me fight harder," Hayes said, and he knows that his support will have the same effect on Dean.
Contact reporter John Obeck at john.obeck@richmond.edu
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