Columbia residents shave heads for cancer research
Volunteers were showing some skin Saturday. Don’t worry; everyone kept their clothes on.
More than 300 participants shaved their heads for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising money and awareness for cancer research. Shavees, family members, supporters and those who volunteered to shave others gathered at Jillian’s restaurant on Gervais.
The foundation’s Columbia event coordinator, Krystle Eckrote, said this was Columbia’s seventh and largest event. The event exceeding the initial fundraising goal of $50,000 and set a new record for Columbia with more than $65,000.
Participants were buzzing with energy and creativity — some with Mohawks, colorful hairdos and matching T-shirts.
“Team Pop-tart” stood out in the crowd with brightly colored Afros and shirts that said “With heads like this who needs hair.” This was the team’s sixth year shaving their heads for the event, in honor of a family member nicknamed “Pop-tart” who had neuroblastoma, a common form of cancer, for ten years and has been cancer-free since February.
It wasn’t just men who shaved their heads for the cause. More than 50 women chopped their locks, which always comes as a shock, Eckrote said.
Third-year anthropology student Rachel Boone shaved off her long hair and raised more than $1,000. Boone, who works at Palmetto Health Baptist, said she did it in honor of cancer patients she sees at the hospital and her grandfather, who also had cancer.
“I want to let them know they have people standing beside them,” Boone said. “I’m trying to show that others can do it, too.”
Volunteer Courtney Nord worked with radio station Rock 93.5 shaving heads. She said she believes it is important for men and women to take action for the foundation.
“This creates necessary awareness, especially for females, that it’s not something that scary,” Nord said.
A large array of people joined the head-shaving action, including kids, teens and a large group of Columbia police officers.
There was constant support throughout the afternoonlong event. Spectators cheered, cried and applauded every participant. Inspirational signs were hung throughout the room with messages like, “It’s just hair,” “Be brave and shave” and “bald is beautiful.”
The event included face painting, an eagle mascot, a colored hair spray station and a silent auction.
Participants stressed the importance of showing solidarity with cancer patients.
“[My cousin] had no choice in the matter,” said volunteer shavee Ken Walters. “We have a choice, but we need to show our support.”
Eckrote said she thinks Columbia is beginning to embrace the event, and she hopes this event is just one of many more to come.