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We can wash it, brush it, braid it, curl it or straighten it, but nothing raises hair, or funds, like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. In the head shaving event, St. Baldrick’s asks volunteers to get sponsored to “clean their crowns” in order to raise money and awareness for cancer stricken children.
The second consecutive year of the St. Baldrick’s cancer research fund raising event is scheduled to take place from noon to 4 p.m. June 26 at Pulaski Park.
The event will be organized by 4-year-old Josephine Beardsley’s parents, Heike and Tech. Sgt. Timothy Beardsley, 86th Maintenance Squadron. This is the third anniversary of Josephine being diagnosed with leukemia.
“I’m very excited about the event,” Sergeant Beardsley said. “I am constantly amazed by the amount of support that I have been getting from Airmen on the base.”
Josephine received her last chemotherapy in October 2010 and is regaining strength daily.
“She has been doing great. She is a tough kid,” Sergeant Beardsley said.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a non-profit, public charity that raises money for children’s cancer research, usually through head-shaving events, which have been held in all 50 U.S. states and 28 countries around the world.
All of the funds raised at St. Baldrick’s events are distributed in the form of St. Baldrick’s scholarships, research grants, multi-institution grants and to research organizations meeting rigid criteria.
The events have been a very important part of the Beardsley’s life these past few years.
“St. Baldrick’s has given me a way to give back to the people who saved our daughter’s life,” Sergeant Beardsley said.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has raised more than $111 million through head-shaving events worldwide since its establishment in 2001. Last year, the event held at Donnelly Park brought in 98 volunteers and generated $6,855 for cancer research.
“I am aiming for bigger and better this year and I am hoping that getting the message out to a wider audience will help with that goal,” Sergeant Beardsley said.
Participation not only helps fund cancer research, but getting your “crown cleaned” is a symbol of solidarity with all the children that have lost their own hair during treatment in their fight against cancer.
“The foundation raises money, but they also raise awareness,” Sergeant Beardsley said. “Not only those things though; they bring people together and in our big Air Force family, that is truly priceless.
If you would like to participate to become a “Shavee,” or just want to volunteer to help and spread the word, go to the website and register: www.stbaldricks.org/events/KMC2011.
(Tech Sgt. Timothy Beardsley contributed to this story)
