“We are here to fund research to give every child diagnosed with cancer the best possible chance for a cure and a long and healthy life.” That is St. Baldrick’s goal. “Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and diabetes combined.” St. Baldrick’s was first started to raise awareness about childhood cancer. “We raise money to help find a cure and to get better living conditions for the families and children.”

In 1999, John Bender, who began his career at St. Paul Reinsurance, and Enda McDonnell, one of the founders of St. Baldrick’s, were thinking about the question, “How will you give back in return for your own good fortune in business?” Enda’s thick hair gave John a great idea that would start a huge ripple effect.

On March 17, 2000, Jim Brady’s Pub in Manhattan, New York, became the location for the very first St. Baldrick’s event. The goal was to shave 17 heads and raise $17,000 to boost awareness of childhood cancer and fund research. They exceeded that goal with 19 heads shaved and more than $100,000 donated to fund a cure for childhood cancer research. After the second event that raised almost $140,000, Enda wanted to expand beyond The Pub in New York. But when terrorists attacked on 9/11, the founders lost hundreds of participants. However even after the awful disaster, Bender and McDonnell decided to persevere.

In 2002, 37 head shaving events occurred and raised more than 1 million dollars. Firefighters, police teams, and even military units joined. As of 2005, St. Baldrick’s raised over 5.3 million dollars, but that was only in five years. In 2007, 18,000 shavees and 402 events raised even more, just brushing 12.9 million. In 2010, St. Baldrick’s hosted its first Research Priorities Summit. This is when experts come together and share their great ideas with one another. 16 of the most well known and respected pediatric cancer researchers in the U.S. attended, and together they developed new ideas and a new life style for cancer patients. Finally, in 2012, St. Baldrick’s reached the 100 million milestone. However, there is still much more to come in the future of St. Baldricks.

In order to personally support this charity, I am shaving my head along with my friend Nate Simchick, a 7th grader that also attends Canyon Vista. Nate and I have shaved our heads before, and we will continue doing it. We are collecting money as well, and 100% of the proceeds collected will go to finding a cure for cancer. You can donate to Nate here, and you can donate to me here. Every penny is appreciated. As the growth of St. Baldricks continues, so does the awareness of childhood cancer.