Caitlin Warner and Ben Moyer PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LABAFF

Capt. Hiram’s was abuzz with excitement during the 13th annual Brave the Shave event to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which provides grants for pediatric cancer research.

Onlookers watched with glee as heads were shorn by a crew of volunteer barbers and locks of hair began to fill the Sandbar stage.

The nonprofit was founded on March 17, 2000, when friends created a hybrid event celebrating baldness and St. Patrick’s Day to raise funds and awareness about childhood cancer. By shaving their heads, participants demonstrate solidarity with children undergoing chemotherapy, who often experience hair loss.

Since its official formation in 2005 as the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, more than $356 million has been granted to research. In Indian River County, local Brave the Shave events have raised $1.3 million.

Event organizer Frank Mannino expressed his gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing the profound impact these funds have on the lives of children battling cancer.

Mannino, a longtime shavee himself, noted that each shaved head represents a commitment to finding cures and providing better treatments for pediatric cancer. With this year’s event they hoped to add an additional $100,000 to the coffers.

Casie Shimansky, who has been submitting her locks to the clippers for 15 years, was inducted into the League of Legendary Heroes by Mannino during a knighting ceremony.

“This isn’t just one day a year for us. This is every single day, no matter what’s happening, pandemics, weird, crazy things in the world; we are showing up for these kids because research saves their lives,” said Shimansky.

“One person actually can change the world; maybe not by herself, but with everyone around. With her friends, family, coworkers,” she added.

Childhood cancer survivor Amy Wagner is living proof that research makes a difference. Wagner, who was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 14 years old, was the recipient of an experimental bone marrow transplant at the only hospital in the country performing this type of procedure.

“I was in the hospital for about a year. It wasn’t easy. I had some medieval things done to me. I’m the only one that came out of that hospital at all. I am a walking miracle,” said Wagner.

Doctors had said she would be lucky if she lived to be 40. Wagner is now 15 years past her “expiration date,” despite having suffered through bouts of several other types of cancer over the years.

While the main attraction was the thrill of watching friends and family members ‘brave the shave,’ attendees also enjoyed an afternoon along the river’s edge as they bid on various raffle items.

Additionally, during the month of March, Capt. Hiram’s donated $1 to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation from every Capt’s Crush signature cocktail sold.

For more information, visit StBaldricks.org.

Photos by Stephanie LaBaff