On May Day, 2005, at Body Matrix in Bemidji, MN the Guinness World Record for the most
temporary piercings (surgical needles) was challenged by Steve Deerwood of Minneapolis,
MN and Jeremy VanWert of Bemidji, MN. The aim of all participants involved in the event
is to set a new Guinness World Record and to raise funds for the Initiative for Peaceful
Change and a local domestic abuse project in Bemidji, MN. 

Steve Deerwood had 2,507 22-gauge (1.5 inch long) surgical needles inserted into his body
by Jeremy VanWert in 6 hours and 15 minutes at Body Matrix in Bemidji, MN, USA on May 1,
2005. The previous record, verified by Guinness World Records, TM, was for 745 needles.

During our attempt a needle was inserted every 9 seconds to symbolize the fact that a woman
is battered every 9 seconds in the United States. This record was attempted in order to raise
awareness and funds for the prevention of domestic abuse.