Pictured is 11-year-old Rachel Brennan of Berkshire holding a “Certificate of Courage.” One of many young people who braved the scissors and razor at the St. Baldrick’s event in Candor on April 2, Rachel had her hair shaved in support of childhood cancer research. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
“Start your clippers” was the enthusiastic phrase that signaled scissors and razors to begin cutting and shaving the first group of shavees at “Rock the Bald 2017” in Candor, N.Y. on April 2. Sporting tee shirts that read, “Go Bald or Go Home,” the first group of five braved the electric murmur while an audience exceeding one hundred clapped and cheered.
The year 2017 marks the seventh year that the community of Candor, N.Y. has gathered together to help St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a cancer charity that raises funds for childhood cancer research. A one-of-a-kind twist compared to other charity events, participants not only raise money for research, but they also shave their heads in solidarity with children who have cancer.
Kelly Starkweather, co-chair of the event, announced that nearly 50 people had signed up to get their heads shaved. Starkweather also predicted that in addition to the individuals who signed up ahead of time that at least five more people would go home without hair.
Starkweather said, “Hair is just an accessory,” and commented that getting shaved, which she has done twice, is, “Rewarding and liberating.”
Pictured is the first group of shavees at the seventh annual St. Baldrick’s event in Candor on April 2. More than $40,000 was anticipated to be raised, and “Team Brody” (pictured) brought in over $13,000.
Nearly everyone who attended the April 2 event at Candor High School had a personal story to share of why they participated. A display, “Honored Kids,” showcased photos, names and stories of area children and young adults who have endured cancer.
Eleven-year-old Rachel Brennan of Berkshire was one of many young people who braved the scissors and razor. Starting her day with hair that hung to the middle of her back, she arrived at the event in braids, which were quickly snipped off. A member of “Team Brody,” in honor of Brody Hines of Newark Valley, Brennan was part of the first group who got shaved.
Pictured is 11-year-old Brody Hines of Newark Valley, N.Y. along with his mother, Sarah, who is holding a special medal in his honor. Brody has been treated for cancer since the age of eight.
“Brody is one of my best friends,” Rachel said, and explained that their friendship, along with St. Baldrick’s being a good cause, were the main reasons she decided to get her head shaved. As she felt her bald head afterwards, she added with a smile, “It feels cold now.”
Brody Hines of Newark Valley was only eight when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of tumor in the brain, and underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In June 2016, the cancer returned and Brody again had surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. Radiation followed in July and continued through September. Now 11, Brody had just a little hair left at the April 2 event, which he had shaved, and along with his friends and team, raised over $13,000 for pediatric cancer research.
Thirteen Newark Valley Middle School students, sporting tee shirts that read, “Shave for the Brave,” also shaved their heads in honor of their classmate, Brody.
Pictured is “Team Brody,” the first group to be shaved at the seventh annual St. Baldrick’s event in Candor on April 2. Several area hair professionals offered their talents.
Since the Candor event started, more than 300 heads have been shaved which has brought in over $195,000. An additional $40,000 or more was anticipated from the April 2 event alone.
The second annual 5K run/walk took off the morning of the event, and runners enjoyed more seasonable temperatures and sunshine compared to sappy snow and frigid wind chills that burdened runners at the inaugural run/walk in 2016.
Numerous area businesses donated items, and several local hair professionals offered their time and talent. Food, music, raffles and a kid’s face-painting and craft station, along with other activities centered on a St. Patrick’s theme was all part of the three hour event.
For additional information, find the St. Baldrick’s Event Candor, N.Y. on Facebook, or view their website, stbaldricks.org.
I attended this event and was overwhelmed by the support and community minded people I met. My grandson Brody is a special young man and to see the community and friends helping him to get money for more research so his cancer can be cured is priceless. What a powerful way for these young people to learn to serve their fellow man. Great parents too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is good to see articles on the good in this world, not the bad. Think if we saw more good articles than bad we’d see more good in the world than bad? Just a thought.