Listen Here
By Blainey Dowling
dowlingb@findlay.edu
Volunteers across the United States, including Northwest Ohio, shaved their heads on March 17 to raise money for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Named after a combination of “St. Patrick” and “bald,” the nonprofit organization hosts fundraisers where volunteers collect donations and shave their heads to support children battling cancer. The events bring together families, churches, and community members to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation began in 2000 when three friends shaved their heads at a St. Patrick’s Day party to raise money for childhood cancer research. The event raised more than $104,000 and eventually led to the creation of the organization. Since then, St. Baldrick’s has funded more than $369 million in childhood cancer research and is now the largest private funder of pediatric cancer research in the United States.
While many events take place in large cities like Chicago, St. Baldrick’s is a national organization with events held across the country, as close as Perrysburg.
Meg Butler, a volunteer organizer who has helped run St. Baldrick’s events for more than a decade, said the event became meaningful to her after a family friend’s child was diagnosed with cancer.
“I first got involved about 12 years ago,” Butler said. “A family friend’s child was diagnosed with cancer, and our parish was looking for ways to support. Once I attended my first head-shaving event and saw how much joy and money was raised for research, I was hooked.”
During the events, volunteers gather to share stories, collect pledges, and shave their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer.
“People gather early at local venues and churches,” Butler said. “There’s music, volunteers signing up for pledges, and families sharing their stories. Then one by one, volunteers, and sometimes kids, get their heads shaved to show support.”
Butler said the events also demonstrate the strength of the community when people come together to support families facing difficult circumstances.
“Everyone comes together for a great cause,” Butler said. “If you’re not shaving your head, you’re there supporting and helping promote the event.”
For childhood cancer survivor Beau Ryan, the events provide encouragement and support during a difficult journey.
“It made me feel really special,” Ryan said about seeing friends and family shave their heads in support. “I didn’t feel alone.”
Ryan said the events motivate him to continue fighting and remind him that people in the community care.
“My friends shaving their heads makes me happy,” Ryan said.
Community members who attend the events say they offer emotional support as well as financial assistance for research.
Kevin James, a Northwest Ohio resident whose younger brother was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, said events like St. Baldrick’s help families feel less isolated.
“It’s a reminder that we’re not alone, and that hope still exists,” James said.
James added that fundraising for childhood cancer research is essential because treatment and research depend heavily on financial support.
“Without funding, research slows, and kids suffer longer,” James said.
Organizers hope participation will continue to grow as more people learn about the cause.
“More awareness, more volunteers, and more people participating, especially kids and teens,” Butler said. “That’s how we grow the event and keep supporting these families.”
