In a bold statement of solidarity with an Alcuin School classmate, and all  kids with cancer, more than 20 volunteers shaved their heads at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraising event at the school, located at  6144 Churchill Way, to raise money for childhood cancer research on Friday, May 30. Alcuin School raised locally more than $55,000 as part of a global effort to Conquer Childhood Cancers.

Why all the shaved heads? Worldwide a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive. With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

Alcuin Middle School student Gregory Yared, along with his mother Cindy, helped lead the effort to recruit fellow students to raise funds by shaving their heads to honor their brave classmate.  “I continue to be amazed by the strong community school spirit and the sincere level of support that we have at Alcuin School to rally behind efforts to help others and serve,” says Cindy Yared.  

The participation was tremendous and so many stepped up to raise funds or volunteer as shavees including Alcuin Head of School Walter Sorensen and Luanne Samuel, Director of Development, as wellas students, parents and Alcuin School supporters from the community.  The event, which was held on the Alcuin’s last day of school in the gym, was emceed by 106.1 KISS FM Radio Personality Billy the Kid, and included fun festivities as the shaves were sheared and cheered on by supporters.   

“We are deeply honored that so many from our school community participated either as shavees, volunteers, or by making donations,” said Walter Sorensen, Head of School.  “Thanks to these efforts, everyone truly helped make a difference and offered hope to so many children that need our support.”

To learn more about Alcuin School’s St. Baldrick’s initiative contact Bunny Ridenour at 972.239.1745; or to donate visit    http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/AlcuinSchool/.

About Alcuin School

A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12 grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. St. Baldrick’s coordinates its signature head-shaving events worldwide where participants collect pledges to shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer, raising money to fund research. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $127 million to support lifesaving research, making the Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, and the new International Scholar grants train researchers to work in developing countries. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.