St. Baldrick’s 2018 Shave-a-Thon a success

On Sunday, April 8, an annual event to raise money for childhood cancer research raised $32,396 with well over 50 newly shaved heads. The event, which took place in Candor, N.Y., included a 5K run / walk, as well as the Shave-a-Thon event held to support St. Baldrick’s, a non-profit organization. The organizers for this year’s event were Kelly Starkweather and Joan Bartlett.

The day began with a 5K run/walk that provided a tour of downtown Candor that was suitable for runners and walkers of all ages. 

At 1 p.m., the event moved into the Candor Elementary School gym to begin the Shave-a-Thon, during which time each being shaved had a chance to share the reason why they were willing to go bald. The names of each of those shaved were displayed on a wall of fame.  

During the afternoon Shave-A-Thon, a bagpiper playing a well-known Scottish tune led volunteers of different levels of participation into the gym for an award ceremony.

Two adult participants shared their stories.  

Bonnie Lovejoy, of Candor, began supporting St. Baldrick’s three years ago because of what the organization represents. She’s become more passionate since struggling with her own cancer, and during treatment she saw children also struggling with cancer.  

Tom Peters of Newark Valley had two children who died of cancerous brain tumors. He began supporting St. Baldrick’s in Broome County, and he has been supporting the Candor group for three years.

Co-organizer Joan Bartlett, of Willseyville, felt that the event was very successful, and that 10 people had decided that day to have their heads shaved. She also stated that a number of students were there to support a classmate that is struggling with cancer. 

You can find more about the event by going to the Candor St. Baldrick’s website at https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/Candor2018. Included on the page are many photos from the event, as well as totals for the money raised and how to donate.