GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Furman University baseball team has moved into first place in the battle against childhood cancer.

With less than two weeks to go prior to its Apr. 8 Vs. Cancer Foundation head shaving event following its annual clash against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Fluor Field, Furman has raised $19,305 on the way to a team goal of $25,000, ranking the Paladins first among 120 participating college baseball teams.

Furman players and coaches will gather on top of the dugout following the game and have their heads shaved in an effort to raise awareness and funds in support of the Vs. Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving kids' lives by empowering athletes and communities to fund lifesaving childhood cancer efforts.

According to American Cancer Society figures, childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of kids, with an average of 36 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the United States and over 175,000 annually worldwide.

The Vs. Cancer Foundation is committed to helping children fighting cancer NOW as well as raising funds to continue the necessary research and help create a positive outcome for future cancer patients. Half of all proceeds raised from a Vs. Cancer head-shaving event will go to a local childhood cancer hospital and the remaining monies will fund research at the national level.

Donations to the Paladins' fund-raising effort in support of the Vs. Cancer Foundation can be made through Furman's Vs. Cancer Page

Also follow @FurmanBaseball and @Vs_Cancer via twitter for updates on fundraising efforts!