Help fund childhood cancer research on St. Baldrick’s Day
Would you shave your head for a worthwhile cause? If so, consider getting your next haircut this April.
In partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital and the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine is holding its 4th annual St. Baldrick’s Day event to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Participants raise funds for childhood cancer and shave their heads at the event in solidarity with kids with cancer.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a childhood cancer research funding organization that provides millions of dollars in grants to institutions across the country each year. In 2013, Baylor and Texas Children’s hosted their first-ever St. Baldrick’s Day event.
Evolution of St. Baldrick’s Day at Baylor
Josh Adams, a student in Baylor’s medical scientist training program and the event’s principal organizer, says Baylor’s participation in St. Baldrick’s Day continues to grow since the inaugural event.
“When we started, we had five “shavees” – all from my medical school class. The following year we had six. In 2015 we had 10, and this year we have decided to move the event to a larger venue. We’ve also been joined by The Periwinkle Foundation, a group who helps organize and fund activities for Texas Children’s patients.
“I have participated for the past four years and it has been wonderful to see the number of fellow students who have joined me in shaving their heads and raising funds for childhood cancer research,” Adams said.
This year’s event fundraising goal is $7,000. With a little over a month before the event, over $2,000 has already been raised.
St. Baldrick’s impact on education and cancer research
In the past four years, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has granted over $7 million to Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine.
“Baylor and Texas Children’s have multiple researchers who have been funded by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. In addition, Baylor medical students have an opportunity to do something great for kids with cancer by sacrificing their hair both in solidarity and to help raise research funding.
I am planning on completing my residency in pediatric neurology and I’m always thrilled to see such support to a pediatric cause,” Adams said.
Members of Baylor Students Against Cancer are also involved in organizing the event.
How to get involved
St. Baldrick’s Day is taking place on Saturday, April 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at Baker Street Pub and Grill in Sugar Land, Texas. Individuals can sign up to be a shavee to help raise funds. In addition, groups and organizations are encouraged to form teams and compete to raise the most funds. For more information, email Josh Adams.
Additional resources
Join the Baylor/Texas Children’s St. Baldrick’s Day Facebook event.
Find out more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Read about St. Baldrick’s-funded research at Baylor and Texas Children’s:
First evaluation of HER2-specific ‘killer’ T cells in humans
Study links tumor recurrence to growth factor commonly used in high-risk neuroblastoma treatment
-By Nicole Blanton
