My connection to St. Baldrick’s began in a very personal way. A local head-shaving event in Connecticut coincided with my sister Lyla’s treatment for stage 4 neuroblastoma. As she lost her hair during treatment, my brothers and I decided to shave our heads to show her that we loved her and would stand by her side throughout her fight with cancer. That simple act of solidarity left a lasting impression on me.
By the time I reached high school at Wilton High School, there was already a St. Baldrick’s club, which my older brother had joined. Both of us served on the executive committee during our four years, helping to host head-shaving events in our cafeteria. Those early experiences cemented my passion for the cause and showed me the power of community in making a difference.
Carrying the Tradition to College
When I started at Franklin & Marshall College, I wanted to continue the tradition. During my freshman year, I raised money and shaved my head on my own. But soon, I began talking with my football and lacrosse teammates about creating a club. By the end of the semester, the club was officially recognized by the college, and we started holding regular meetings.
In the years that followed, the club grew steadily. More teammates, students from other sports teams, and campus organizations joined our efforts. We hosted our first full-scale shaving event my sophomore year, and the event became so popular that we had to move to bigger venues each year. With every passing year, we gained more shavees and raised more donations—all thanks to the dedication, creativity, and energy of my friends.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
One experience that stands out occurred during my senior year, our largest event to date. A man drove his 18-wheeler truck over four and a half hours from Maryland just to shave with us. His commitment was incredible, and seeing the impact of our event on people willing to go to such lengths made me so proud to be part of organizing something so meaningful.
What St. Baldrick’s Has Meant to Me
Being connected to St. Baldrick’s has given me more than just memories—it’s created a network of friends and a bond with countless people who share the same passion for making a difference. The focus on shaving heads—a bold, symbolic act—connects people in a way that is both memorable and meaningful.
Sharing the Joy
Whenever I introduce new people to St. Baldrick’s, there’s one thing I always make sure to emphasize: it’s fun! The more energy, music, games, and laughter we infused into our events, the more they grew. Beyond fundraising, the events foster a close-knit community of amazing people, all committed to helping kids with cancer.
Advice for Aspiring Event Organizers
For anyone thinking about hosting a St. Baldrick’s event, my advice is to get creative and involve your community. Partner with local businesses—maybe host a fundraising burger sale or a pop-up coffee and donuts stand. Make it fun and memorable. Also, build strong relationships with your St. Baldrick’s Event Coach. Aida Corea, for example, has guided me through countless challenges over the years. Her support made every hurdle manageable and every event a success.
From shaving my head for my sister to organizing major college events, St. Baldrick’s has shown me the power of love, courage, and community. Every snip, every cheer, every connection reminds me why I keep coming back.
