As spring draws closer, people become inspired by a heightened sense of excitement and anticipation, yet there are some who aren't able to experience that joy.
Every year, roughly 12,500 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with some form of cancer, according to a St. Baldrick's Foundation information pamphlet. Thursday will mark the first time St. Baldrick's Day has taken place in Charlottesville, and third-year College student Erin Henshaw is responsible for bringing it here.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is an organization dedicated to raising money for children's cancer research but not in just a typical philanthropic manner. They raise money by having people completely shave their heads at one of their St. Baldrick's Day events.
The group originated in New York City when a group of insurance men founded the organization.
Natalie Stamer, director of communications for St. Baldrick's, said "they wanted to give back to the community in a creative way, so they decided to shave their heads and raise money for children's cancer research. They got 17 other volunteers and turned their St. Patrick's Day celebration into a head shaving celebration."
Thus, the St. Baldrick's Foundation, getting its name from a hybrid of bald and St. Patrick's Day, was born.
St. Baldrick's raises money for Curesearch's Child Oncology Group, which is the leading research group for children's cancer research in the country. According to Stamer, the Child Oncology Group does over 90 percent of child cancer research in the country and has more than 4,000 researchers working for it. Since St. Baldrick's Day began in 1999, the organization has raised over $12 million for Child Oncology Group.
"All children with cancer benefit from our organization," Stamer said. "Our money helps all of them."
The members of the foundation hope this Thursday, also known as St. Baldrick's Day, will bring that happiness not only to children with cancer but to the entire Charlottesville community.
Thursday's event has special significance for Henshaw.
"We had a family friend named Francis who died of cancer at age nine," Henshaw said. "In 2002, my mom shaved her head in honor of Francis. In 2003 my sister did it, and I shaved my head for her a year later. It became a Henshaw family event."
Henshaw said she decided to organize an event in Charlottesville due in part to the positive responses she received after going bald for the cause.
"When I came back to school after shaving my head, I got a lot of support and interest," Henshaw said.
Traditionally, St. Baldrick's events are held at Irish pubs. Therefore, the St. Baldrick's Day festivities will take place at O'Neill's Irish Pub on the Corner.
"I knew O'Neill's was very involved in the community, and that's why we wanted to do the event there," Henshaw said. "We're all very excited about it, and we hope to make it as big as possible."
At the event, there will be raffles for ACC Tournament tickets and massages, among other things, door prizes from local restaurants, music and discounted food specials.
"This event is going to be a lot of fun, so we're really encouraging families to come out," Henshaw said.
After the festivities, local band Navel will cap off the evening with a live show.
But it is the main event that everyone will be there to see: 18 people have agreed to shave off all of their hair for St. Baldrick's Day.
"I felt like shaving my head was a good way to raise money for the cause," said first-year College student Bonnie Carlson. "All I can think about is how kids have no choice when they undergo chemo about the way the look, and it seems like the least I could do is experience the same thing."
While Carlson admitted that she'll miss her hair, she said she couldn't be getting rid of it for a better purpose.
"St. Baldrick's is an amazing charity that really raises awareness about children's cancer and is a great way to raise money for a cure," Carlson said.
For those who want to help out but aren't quite brave enough to get rid of their coiffeur -- never fear. The organization will be accepting donations all day at the event, and Henshaw added that several businesses have agreed to match however much money is raised during the celebration. She hopes the event will raise $8,000.
"We've already exceeded our initial goal of $5,000, so we're very confident that we'll make it," Henshaw said.
Henshaw said she hopes that St. Baldrick's Day will become a lasting tradition in Charlottesville.
"O'Neill's has said they want to do this every year," Henshaw said. "We hope that everyone gets excited about it and that if they weren't brave enough to shave their heads this year, they'll have an opportunity to do so next year."
It looks like everyone will get to experience some springtime joy.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 5 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
