Nemours Children’s Clinic, Jacksonville, a division of one of the nation’s premier pediatric health systems, will host the annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation head shaving event to raise awareness for childhood cancer research and honor 13 Nemours patients. The event will be held at the clinic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature the “head shaving” of 107 brave participants in support of pediatric cancer patients. The event is free to families that will be able to enjoy games, arts-and-crafts, face-painting, door prizes, and an art auction. Refreshments from Woody’s BBQ, Tropical Smoothie, Yogaberry, Sam’s Club and others will be available for a $5 donation.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation was established ten years ago to raise funds and global awareness for pediatric cancer research. It is the largest volunteer-driven fundraising program of its kind and funds more childhood cancer research grants than any organization aside from the United States government. Since it was founded, the organization has held events in 24 countries and all 50 states, raising more than $74 million for childhood cancer research. In 2008, Nemours research was a proud recipient of $50,000 from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Over the past two years in Jacksonville, almost 100 shavees have collectively raised more than $35,000 for the cause, and have experienced for themselves one of the most stigmatizing public aspects of cancer – losing one’s hair from chemotherapy treatment. This year’s 107 participants and 39 volunteers have donated nearly $18,000 so far.