The first four participants brave scissors and razors at the sixth annual St. Baldrick’s event in Candor, N.Y., which raises money for childhood cancer research. Participants were given knitted stocking hats to wear home.
Individuals were recognized for their multiple years of voluntary efforts and were officially knighted on the “Knights of the Bald Table.”
A few participants at the sixth annual St. Baldrick’s event arrived with colorful hair. Participants had their heads shaved in solidarity with children for an event that raises funds for childhood cancer research.
The year 2016 marks the sixth year that the community of Candor, N.Y. has gathered together to help the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a cancer charity that raises funds for childhood cancer research. Different than most charity events, participants not only raise money, but they also shave their heads in solidarity for children with cancer.
Aside from the federal government, St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more childhood cancer research grants than any other organization. Each year 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and nearly everyone who attended the April 3 event in Candor had a personal story to share of why they participate.
Kelly Starkweather, co-organizer of the Candor event, shared the reason she wanted to help was, “After hearing so many stories about what kids go through.”
Lou Heavenrich, one of about 40 people who had his head shaved by professional hair stylists who volunteered their talents, commented, “I’m here to honor kids who don’t have a choice. “
Heavenrich feels a personal connection to the cause. He explained that a college friend had a son who passed away from brain cancer, and in honor of him and all of the other children, he has participated since the beginning. Heavenrich, along with others, was recognized for voluntary efforts, and was officially knighted on the “Knights of the Bald Table.”
Also attending the event was six-time returnee Zachary Watson. Participating since he was age five, the now 11-year old raised more than $3,800 this year. Zachary’s overall total collected in the last six years is approximately $24,000, which is quite an accomplishment for a youth who says he likes helping other kids.
Youth cancer survivors also attended the event, including ten-year old Brody Hines of Newark Valley. At age eight, Brody was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of tumor in the brain which was treated by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Currently in remission, Brody’s “Honor Wall” biography stated that he is back to enjoying some favorite sports activities. Brody was one of several children honored on the special “Honor Wall.”
Kelly Starkweather, center, co-organizer of the St. Baldrick’s event in Candor, N.Y., introduces Samantha Rice of Nichols and Brody Hines of Newark Valley, both youth cancer survivors. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Despite the sappy snow that fell the night before and frigid wind chills at wake-up time, the inaugural 5K Run/Walk, added this year as a new feature of the Candor St. Baldrick’s event, went off as planned.
Starkweather announced that the 5K, part of which snaked through the historic village, raised $1,500. The large crowd gathered inside the Candor Fire Station chuckled when Starkweather commented that a generous backwind helped runners to the finish line.
Food, music, raffles and a kid’s face-painting and craft station, centered on a St. Patrick’s theme, was all part of the three hour event. Just prior to the start of the Shave-A-Thon, Starkweather announced that a total of $30,000 was in reach for this year.
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- Children who have undergone treatments for childhood cancer or have passed away are honored on the “Honor Wall” at the sixth annual St. Baldrick’s event in Candor, N.Y. on April 3.
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- Collecting a grand total of about $24,000 since the age of five, 11-year old Zachary Watson holds a sign reading “Shave a Life” as the final pieces of his hair are shaved off. Several professional hair stylists volunteered their talents.
