A cacophony of clippers buzzed through more than 100 heads of hair at St. Baldrick’s fifth annual Brave the Shave fundraiser at Capt. Hiram’s last Saturday afternoon, with men, women and children from all walks of life raising more than $100,000 for childhood cancer research.
There wasn’t an empty spot on the sand as family and friends cheered on the shavees, who each had their lovely locks sheared off by five volunteer barbers working in tandem throughout the six-hour event.
“Today is a celebration of all the hard work everyone did raising money,” said event co-chair Missy Elward. Along with volunteer barber Cyndi Sapikowski, Elward was dubbed a Knight of the Bald Table for her seven years of service.
Individuals and 17 teams, from police and firefighters to business owners and members of civic organizations, were all willing to be shorn on stage, braving the shave in solidarity with children affected by cancer.
Hair loss, a common side effect of cancer treatment, often adds to a patient’s stress and trauma. Bald heads have become a badge of honor for St. Baldrick’s shavees and help to open a dialogue with others.
The St. Baldrick’s motto, “Until no child has to be afflicted by Childhood Cancer – Until no parent has to bear that pain – The fight goes on!” was at the forefront of the day’s festivities, for some more so than others.
Autumn Martin’s 12-year-old son Quinton lost his brief battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2013; dying within six months of his diagnosis.
“When I want to talk to my son I have to go to his grave, and I don’t think any parent should have to do that,” said Martin, tearfully. “We can’t bury any more children.”
She pointed out that a majority of the treatments children receive today are 35 years old and are meant for adults. With less than 4 percent of national funding going toward childhood cancer, it is simply not enough.
Three young ladies stepped up to the stage to honor Maya Pettit, who died of a rare form of leukemia in 2003.
“Cancer stole my best friend and sister, and I can never forgive it,” said Nadia Pettit. “I am going bald for my sister, and I hope that one day no child will die from cancer.”
Cara and Rob Pettit had the honor of shaving their daughters’ heads. The couple also founded Maya Matters, which provides financial assistance to families with children battling cancer. On May 6 they will host the seventh annual Help Kids Kick Cancer Superhero 5K at South Beach Park. Details are at MayaMatters.org.
Five-year-old Will Alvey, diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma last year, was thrilled to help shave his father’s head so the two could be twins.
“Never in a million years would I have thought my child would have been diagnosed with cancer,” said Diane Alvey, watching as her son jumped around on the stage. “The only way we are going to win the fight is through research and funding.”
According to the American Cancer Society, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and in the United States, more children are annually lost to cancer than any other disease.
“Despite all the fun that’s going on here today, it’s all about the kids. We’ve raised a lot of money for them,” said event co-chair Frank Mannino, who braved the shave for the 14th year.
Worldwide, over the past 12 years St. Baldrick’s has invested more than $200 million in childhood cancer research.
To learn more, visit StBaldricks.org.
