This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Goin` Bald for a Good Cause: St. Baldrick's

The St. Baldrick's event is only weeks away, and it's not too late to join in the shaving!

People go bald, or close to, for a number of reasons—some by choice and others...not so much.

I've known a number of family and friends who's hairlines have receded (or disappeared altogether) naturally. Some choose to be shaven clean by virtue of joining the armed forces or other public safety posts; a tight buzz seems the cut of choice for a lot of police academy cadets and fire fighter trainees.

Then there are those who lose their hair because of cancer. It's one of many devastating side effects of both the illness and the treatment that victims must face. Unfortunately, I witnessed family and friends go through this, too.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a result, there's a whole new group of “baldies,” those that voluntarily go bald in support of cancer awareness, treatment and in solidarity to the victims of cancer—specifically and especially children. And you can get involved locally, too.

Back in 2000, a handful of friends in New York decided they would raise money to benefit children with cancer. The first event had 20 shavees and they expected to raise “$17,000 on the 17th,” March 17 always being St. Patrick's Day. That first year they raised over $104,000!

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

That's how St. Baldrick's was born and has since become a foundation. With more than $22 million raised across the country and around the world in just 2010, the foundation has collected more than $95 million total throughout the years to fund research for childhood cancer and its survivors.

Locally, while there are 21 different St. Baldrick's events within 15 miles of the Lincoln-Way area, with a number of them being private school events, the largest public event in the area by far will be in New Lenox at . The event is being organized by a number of New Lenox Police Department personnel.

There are already 68 shavees registered, some as young as 7 years old, and the group has a collective goal of $40,000. Those willing to be shaved can come in individually or as part of a team.

Although detective and event chairman Douglas Furlong says, “we're not going to turn anyone away that shows up the day of with donations in any amount to raise awareness,” he requests that participants register ahead of time. The foundation's guidelines ask for a minimum of $50 in donations from each shavee and they encourage participants to inquire with their employers to see about matching contributions raised by employees. Finally, not sure how you'll look bald? Well, there's an app for that!

Last year 88 shavee participants raised a total of $34,480 and thus far have $14,700 in pledges for this year. Individual leaders for this year as of March 4 are Ray Kusinski with $8,925.00 and Nolan G. at $520.00. By teams, the front runners are Team Wildcats ($1,355.00) and Rink Rats ($1,245.00).

Other events in the Lincoln-Way area include ones at and in Frankfort, and in Mokena.

While there have been a number of women participating in the whole head shave (foundation rules dictate electric trimmers only – no straight razors; hair coloring and shaving of pets is also prohibited), many have elected to go another route: Locks of Love. In this instance, participants grow out their hair to a minimum length that is then cut off at the St. Baldrick's group and passed along to Locks of Love. That group provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children who are cancer survivors.

In addition to all the shaving at the event, there will be a raffle for assorted door prizes. Anyone wishing to participate or donate (including items for the raffle) is encouraged to contact Douglas Furlong at 815-530-6407 or Dfurlong@newlenox.net.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?