Bald and Beautiful
Every year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer. As a result of treatment, many of them lose their hair, a physically defining characteristic at a pivotal time in their lives. Imagine yourself bald. Would you be self-conscious? Embarrassed? Now imagine living those awkward grade school years without your hair.
On March 22, 2007, Katie Lushington walked into Fusion Hair Salon on South College Street with a cute brown pixie cut. She walked out with only stubble.
Katie is an Auburn student, now with very little hair. Not because she has cancer, but because Katie shaved her head in solidarity with children fighting cancer. Her bold new ‘do (or lack thereof) also helped her raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that makes a bold statement about childhood cancer.
Katie decided to participate in the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of her “Aunt Punk� who is battling cancer and her Aunt Helen who recently died of bone cancer.
“The thought of losing my hair was quite nerve-wrecking because I have always used my hair as a means of self-expression,� said Katie. “Even still, the sacrifice was worth making because I wanted to stand in solidarity as a symbol of support for the children who lose their hair during chemotherapy and for my two great aunts. I wanted to show everyone that being bald is beautiful.�
Although her locks weren’t long enough to make a donation of hair, she was able to raise funds for the organization. For weeks, Katie asked for monetary donations from her friends and family.
“If I am willing to sacrifice my hair, you can definitely spare five dollars,� she said in a message on her personal St. Baldrick’s Web page. Katie nearly doubled her initial goal by raising $680 for the foundation.
The money Katie and others have raised through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will go to the world’s foremost childhood cancer research organization, the Children’s Oncology Group. This group consists of 230 research institutions that work cooperatively to find cures for childhood cancer.
According to St. Baldrick’s Web site, in 1999 friends Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell were determined to repay their good fortunes. They decided to turn their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration into a benefit for children with cancer. In order to really get the attention and donations of their colleagues, John suggested that Enda shave his head.
“I will if you will,� replied Enda, and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation was born. Since then, over 26,000 heads have been shaved, raising over $20 million for childhood cancer research.
“We vow to keep shaving until every child can be cured,� proudly declares the St. Baldrick’s Web site.
The organization is now in its eighth bald, but beautiful year.
Katie plans to get involved yearly with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in her relatives’ memories. She hopes that other Auburn students will become involved with St.Baldricks, whether it’s making a small donation online or actually becoming a shavee.
Here’s how you can get involved:
The foundation realizes that a shaved head is not for everyone. Fortunately there are many other ways to get involved with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Anyone can donate money by calling or visiting the organization’s Web site. Volunteers can also organize or help with a head-shaving event in your area. Licensed barbers are encouraged to help at events – someone has to shave all those heads! Visit www.stbaldricks.org to find out more.
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