St. Baldrick's offers new symbol for fight against cancer
by Jenny Knernschield, posted Feb. 28, 2008
Roughly 1.4 million new cases of cancer are discovered in the United States each year, with almost thirty thousand of those new cases coming from Missouri, according to data collected by the American Cancer Society. That means one in every two hundred people within this state will find out they have cancer. Each year, the number of people affected by cancer increases. The internationally recognized Pink Ribbon was first introduced more than fifteen years ago with the purpose of making people aware of breast cancer. In the 21st century, there’s a new symbol emerging: the bald head.
St. Baldrick’s is an organization making great strides in raising money and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. It all began in 1999 at a St. Patrick’s Day office party: three friends were trying to think of a way to give back to the community. They managed to raise $104,000 dollars by shaving their own — as well as some of their co-workers'— heads in the name of a cause. In less than a decade, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation garnered national support and raised more than $34 million.
Now the inventive fundraising event is coming close to home. Mizzou senior Michelle Beckering is organizing her own St. Baldrick’s event for the Columbia area.
“I heard about the St. Baldrick's organization last year when a friend of mine decided to shave her head for an event in St. Louis,” Beckering said. “[That event] raised over $100,000 with over 200 people of all ages shaving their heads. It really touched my heart to see so many people willing to go bald to show support for kids with cancer.”
St. Baldrick’s works similarly to walk-a-thon fundraisers: any person can sign up to participate. Participants gather pledges and donations for the event, but instead of walking a predetermined distance, they shave their heads.
While some might think this is extreme, it serves a deep purpose: many young children lose most or all of their hair as a result of being treated for cancer. Not only are the participants showing their support and encouraging the young fighters, they’re making a strong, visual statement to society and spreading awareness.
“When I found out that Columbia had never hosted a St. Baldrick's fundraiser, I thought it would be a great chance to introduce this wonderful organization to the community,” Beckering said.
Beckering has organized her event to take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 19 at McNally’s, the same day as the Mizzou Women’s rugby game against KU. Currently there are three participants to be sheared by professional barbers, with a goal of raising $10,000. Beckering and other volunteers are still working to encourage others to join in the event.
Visit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Web site for more information. And for more information on the local upcoming event, contact Michelle Beckering at mlbr3d@mizzou.edu.
