On May 20th, many students and staff will leave school with their hair a few inches shorter. One may wonder how they can bear to part with their luscious locks, but these generous people have an awesome reason: for a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser! This non-profit organization focuses its proceeds on childhood cancer, specifically, because childhood cancers are different from adult cancers. In fact, children must also be treated differently from adult cancer patients, as they are not simply smaller adults in the medical world. Not only does St. Baldrick’s fund research for cancer itself; it also funds research to improve supportive care for patients, as many children who are treated develop other complications, such as chronic health problems and life-threatening conditions.
Last year, the St. Baldrick’s assembly, organized by Mrs. Weir and National Honor Society, was a great success. Senior Erin Grantham has spearheaded the event this year, with much support from the Teen Leadership Corps and Student Council officers.
Erin says she was called to make this event happen because, “I saw last year how great the assembly was and got so many people of the school involved, so it was a great way to raise awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.”
Funds for St. Baldrick’s are raised through “shavees”, the people who shave their heads or donate their hair. (The participants do this as an act of solidarity with the children who have to shave their heads or lose hair because of cancer.) Shavees will collect money from family, friends, and community members. The fundraiser will have its grand finale during the actual head-shaving event on May 20th, held in an assembly within ChardonHigh School’s gym. This lively and inspiring event will take place at the end of the day and will also include a side pep rally for spring activities, as people’s heads are being shaved by local barber and hairstylist volunteers. Anyone interested in donating to Chardon’s event can go online to StBaldricks.org and click the Donate button. Search for Chardon and you can donate to the general event, or search for any friends’ names (that you know are shaving their heads) to donate through them.
The Teen Leadership Corps will be also be helping to recruit local business sponsors- a new angle on fundraising. In addition, they will put up posters advertising the event so members of the community can get involved.
Another difference this year is the timing of the event, which was planned based on feedback from student surveys. Erin Grantham explains, “We have pushed it back to after Prom so that more participants will be willing to donate.”
Senior Emily Dunning exclaims, “I’m very excited to donate my hair for the third time!”
For anyone hesitant to shave their head or donate their hair, senior Dan Williams advises, “This cause is worth it. Your hair grows back, but this may be your last chance to do this unique event.” He adds, “It is always a blast to get my head shaved for such an amazing reason.”