For many people, shaving their head might seem like a bold gesture. For me, it’s become an annual tradition and a meaningful way to support children battling cancer.
I’ve been involved with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation since 2009, and every year I’m reminded why this mission matters so much. Childhood should be filled with memories of playing, laughing, building forts, and spending time with friends—not hospital stays, treatments, and doctor visits.
That’s why I continue to support St. Baldrick’s and raise money for childhood cancer research.
Why I Support St. Baldrick’s
What first inspired me to get involved was the organization’s commitment to giving kids hope and reminding them they aren’t alone.
No child should ever feel isolated because of a cancer diagnosis. Mental health is an important part of growing up, and when communities come together to shave their heads—or now, wear bright green backpacks—it sends a powerful message of support.
These acts may seem simple, but they help children feel seen, understood, and supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
A Community United for Kids with Cancer
Every year, our small town hosts a giant celebration on St. Baldrick’s Day. Hundreds of people come together to shave their heads, raise funds, and show support for children fighting cancer.
It’s truly one of the highlights of the year.
Over time, our community has raised more than $3.3 million for childhood cancer research. Seeing neighbors, friends, families, and local businesses rally around this cause is inspiring and a reminder of what can happen when people unite behind a shared mission.
Being a shavee is an honor because every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research that gives children a better chance at a healthy future.
Taking on the Backpack Challenge
This year, I decided to participate in the St. Baldrick’s Backpack Challenge in addition to shaving my head.
What inspired me was learning about an innovative treatment option that allows some children with cancer to receive therapy through a wearable backpack rather than spending weeks in a hospital.
I was amazed.
I had no idea that cancer treatment could be delivered this way, giving children the opportunity to spend more time at home and continue many of the activities they love. If I didn’t know about this advancement, I figured many others didn’t either.
The Backpack Challenge became an opportunity to help bring more education on the research advancements and shine light on what our donations are actually doing for kids with cancer.
What I Learned Wearing the Backpack Every Day
The Backpack Challenge has been an eye opener.
It’s always on my back or right next to me.
At first, I thought it would be challenging to do many tasks with it on, but after a while, I forgot it was even there. I was able to do pretty much everything I could normally do with it on.
That made me excited.
Because kids can do pretty much everything they would normally do with the backpack on, and being a kid is the greatest thing in the world.
The backpack represents more than a medical device. It represents freedom – freedom from the hospital room. It represents the ability to play, laugh, jump, build forts, and simply be a kid.
It helps restore the childhood experiences that cancer often interrupts.
The bright green backpack also sparks conversations everywhere I go. Through social media posts and everyday interactions, people frequently ask about it. That gives me the chance to explain the challenge, talk about childhood cancer research, and share how donations are making a real difference for kids and families.
A Memorable Family Experience
One of my favorite memories connected to St. Baldrick’s isn’t actually about fundraising—it’s about my family.
When I shaved my head for the first time, my daughter was just one year old. I worried it may scare my daughter with my loss of hair.
Instead, she was genuinely curious about it.
As she got older, she came to understand why I participated and became one of my biggest supporters. Watching her grow up alongside this cause has been incredibly meaningful.
My dog, however, was not impressed.
When I came home with a shaved head, he freaked out and immediately went into defense mode. It took some reassurance before he realized it was still me—just without hair.
It’s a funny memory that still makes me smile.
Why Childhood Cancer Research Matters
Whenever I talk to someone new about St. Baldrick’s, I always come back to one simple idea: childhood should be about making happy memories.
When I think about my own childhood, I’m grateful I have so many fun memories. I can’t imagine what it’d be like to be sick and have memories of various hospital rooms, doctor offices, and treatment centers.
That’s why we fund childhood cancer research.
We’re working toward a future where every child can focus on being a kid—not fighting cancer. A future where children create memories filled with fun, laughter, and play instead of illness and uncertainty.
Every shaved head, every donation, and every Backpack Challenge participant helps bring us closer to that goal.
And that’s why I’ll keep showing up year after year.
