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Shave to Save brings fraternity brothers together

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Business major Cristian Govea (left) gets his head shaved by his mom, Vivianna, while health and human performance major Dean Ikonomou gets his head shaved by marketing major Vivian Hernandez. | Caitlin Hilton /The Cougar

For finance sophomore Adam Reichstein, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, his mom’s struggle with breast cancer brought all of his fraternity brothers together in a way that’s making a large impact in the community.

Diagnosed about a year and half ago, Shelli Reichstein was losing her hair due to chemotherapy. To show their support, the brothers of UH Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted an auction Wednesday called Shave to Save that raised money for breast cancer research.

Twenty members of the fraternity were put up on auction, and whoever set the highest bid on each member’s hair was able to shave his head. Raising approximately $2,500 that will be donated to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Shave to Save proved successful.

“This overall event isn’t just for my mom; it’s for raising breast cancer awareness,” said Reichstein. “Everyone coming together to support me last year during this tough time was the best moment of the year. It was good to know that my brothers are there for me.”

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Shelly Reichstein sits with her son, Adam, at the Shave to Save event. | Caitlin Hilton/The Cougar

The Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers didn’t want Reichstein to go through it alone, so they came together and planned a way to raise money for breast cancer awareness, making this event a part of their philanthropy week. ­­

“If it means something to one of us, it means a lot to all of us,” said kinesiology and nutrition junior Brett Edleman, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Shelli Reichstein’s eyes filled with tears as she talked about the support from her son and his fraternity brothers.

“To see what these kids have done and the support they have given me is indescribable,” said Shelli. “It’s been a tough journey, but I’m a lucky one. I love these boys.”

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