I’ve been part of the St. Baldrick’s community for as long as I can remember—literally. My dad started shaving his head in 2008, and in 2009, we hosted our very first event as a family. By 2010, I was only three years old, so it was really my parents who got me involved. Even at that age, I remember attending the event, soaking in the energy, the excitement, and the sense that we were all part of something bigger than ourselves.
Both at a St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event – Left: Izzy with her friends. Right: Izzy shaving her dad’s head.
St. Baldrick’s quickly became a family tradition. When I was little, March wasn’t just any month—it was St. Baldrick’s month. I loved helping my parents prepare for our events, whether it was making posters, selling raffle tickets, or just being part of the buzz. Over time, what started as a fun tradition became something much more meaningful. I began to understand the reason behind the head-shaving events and the impact we could make on childhood cancer. That understanding sparked a passion that continues to grow every year.
Izzy’s family cheering her on as she runs her first marathon.
Running has always been a part of my life, so when I watched my youth pastor run the Chicago Marathon in 2023, I felt an instant spark. I missed the sign-up for 2024, but I was determined to run in 2025. When I was accepted, fundraising for St. Baldrick’s was the obvious choice. Even though we weren’t able to host our usual family event this year, I wanted to honor our tradition and support the cause that has been such a big part of my life since I was two.
Photos of Izzy during the marathon – taken by MarathonFoto.
One of my most memorable experiences with St. Baldrick’s was the 2024 “MayFlowers Walk.” In previous years, our events had been held at local bars later in the evening, which didn’t really allow kids to participate. That year, I wanted to create something family-friendly, so with the help of my cousin Jack, we organized a walk, a picnic, and, of course, head-shaving. It was my first time planning almost the entire event myself, and when we raised $15,000, I felt an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment.
The 2024 “Mayflowers Walk”
Growing up in the St. Baldrick’s community has shaped who I am today. It’s instilled in me a deep care for others and a desire to be a voice for those who can’t fight for themselves. It’s also given me skills I carry into every part of my life, like speaking in front of a crowd about something I truly believe in.
Whenever I share St. Baldrick’s with new people, there’s one thing I always make sure to mention: research. St. Baldrick’s is the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research, and most of the funds raised go directly to research, not administrative costs. Their mission isn’t just to find a cure—it’s to find a cure that keeps childhood cancer survivors healthy into adulthood.
From being a tiny child helping with posters to now fundraising for the marathon, St. Baldrick’s has been part of my life every step of the way. It’s more than tradition—it’s a passion, a purpose, and a community that I’m proud to be part of.
Turn your St. Baldrick’s involvement into a tradition like Izzy and help Conquer Kids’ Cancer.
