There are no limits to what some people will do to fund childhood cancer research — some will even go bald for it.
Jillian’s in the Vista was packed full of laughing families Saturday afternoon, drinking, playing arcade games and waving cash at a stage where several barbers' chairs were set up. The chairs were rarely empty, as countless individuals stepped up to have their hair shaved off.
St. Baldrick’s, a charity organization dedicated to donating money to find a cure for childhood cancers, works like a walk-a-thon — friends, family and willing community members pledge to donate money as participants lose their hair, much like the patients they’re supporting.
In all, over 300 people had their heads shaved and over $80,000 was raised, although people will continue to donate throughout the year. Since 2007, the organization has raised a total of over $500,000. St. Baldrick’s hosts events all over the globe and claims that they will continue to raise money until a cure is found.
The event's coordinator, Krystle Eckrote was one of the most passionate participants. Her involvement with the organization reaches down to a personal level, which is why she cares so much about it.
"Two extremely important family members in my life passed away because of cancer," Eckrote said in an email. "These two amazing people were my best friends, and it was extremely difficult time to go through. I feel like I am honoring them in a way, by helping raise money for cancer research."
The surprising thing about the participants was they were quite literally from all ages and walks of life. From elderly women to toddlers, everyone was inspired to shave off their hair. As each new “shavee” sat down, the host was handed more and more cash donations.
Deirdre Brady, University of Florida public relations student, committed to being a shavee for the first time this year, although she has been involved with St. Baldrick’s for a long time. In fact, she hosted this very same event several years ago.
“This is something I’ve been planning for many, many years,” said Brady, who is also studying family youth and community sciences. “At first I was scared, because now that I’m older, you know, you have society’s pressure. It was good to overcome that, and just go through it. It’s very public, and very joyous.”
Brady plans to use her unique degree to work with non-profit organizations like St. Baldrick’s in the future.
Bald heads weren’t the only spectacle to be seen at the pub on Saturday — the adventurous donators would have their beards and even eyebrows shaved if donors were willing to give more cash. Then, they could have their faces or even their newly-bald melons painted for an additional donation; the event was far from running out of ways to donate.
"My favorite part is knowing that we are helping to make a difference," Eckrote wrote. "We are helping to put the money in the researchers hands so that they can develop the drugs to make a difference."