Our current economic times present most of us with a dilemma:  there are so many people in need, yet our own resources can’t do enough to help them.  In particular, kids with cancer pull at our heartstrings.  Childhood cancer is the top cause of death among children in the U.S. and Canada, while 160,000 children worldwide are diagnosed each year.  Assuming that you can’t write a big check to find a cure for children in Louisville and elsewhere, how can you help?

On Sunday, March 13, Louisville will host an event to get to the roots of the problems: the annual St. Baldrick’s Shaving Event will take place at Fourth Street Live . Over 100 volunteers will have their heads shaved by volunteer barbers to show their solidarity with children stricken with cancer – and to raise money for the cause through pledges from their family and friends.  Following the event, restaurants such as Windy City Pizzeria ,will host after shaving parties to celebrate and Irish dancers, music, and fun will mark the day.

The event is named for a fictional saint, whose name blends “bald” with “St. Patrick.”  In 2000, a group of three Irish-American reinsurance executives from Monrovia, CA came up with a unique fundraiser in conjunction with St. Patrick’s Day: a head-shaving event to benefit kids with cancer.  Twenty people who volunteered to shave their heads collected pledges from their friends in an effort to raise $17,000 on the 17^th.  They raised over $104,000 and an annual event was born.  The concept  spread throughout the county; since 2,000, over 147,000 women, including 12.000 woman, have participated and railed over $90 million. 

St.Baldrick’s was incorporated as a non-profit in 2005. Since then, it has become the largest funder of cancer research net to the U.S. government.  Over 250 grants totaling over $55 million have be give to researchers who apply for the grants.  Although the foundation’s money has not provided a cure for cancer, children who succumb to cancer now have a survival rate of over 80% as compared to 50 years ago.

With the  8th annual St. Baldrick’s event in Louisville, there is still plenty of time to participate.

Don’t want to shave your head?  Volunteer to barber, sign up participants, take pictures, or collect money with one of the Louisville teams.  Of course, any of these teams will gladly accept donations.

Can’t make the day?  There are many St. Baldrick events in the Louisville area.  St. Albert the Great will host a similar event on March 20 at 6:00pm. 

Looking for another tangible way to help children with cancer?  Many organizations, such as Locks of Love collect hair to make human hair wigs for children and adults who have lost their hair to cancer treatments.

Looking for a home in this giving city? My team and I at  Younger Group Real Estate can show you affordable homes within your budget in Butchertown, St. Matthews, The Highlands, and other great Louisville neighborhoods.  We know Louisville!