Brave the Shave

By
May 2019 View more

A community gathers to support pediatric oncology

  • “Olivia’s Tribe,” supporting Olivia Parker (front center), who is currently undergoing treatments for a brain tumor
  • Stylist Melissa Duran shaves Simon Histed.
  • Sara O’Conner with her son.
  • Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville and Naperville Fire Department Honor Guard Local 4302 during the National Anthem.
  • Emcee Andy Hampton with
    cancer survivor Piper Jourdan.

The Naperville Police and Fire Departments hosted the 15th annual St. Baldrick’s event on Saturday, March 23 at the Chicago Naperville Marriott. The signature head-shaving fundraiser benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to raising money for children’s cancer research.

The evening kicked off with an opening ceremony led by the Naperville Fire Department’s Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, Naperville Fire Explorers, Naperville Police Explorers, and the Lockport Township High School Junior Air Force ROTC. Emcee Andy Hampton led a program of remembrance and celebration of survivorship. Over 40 people shaved their heads in a show of solidarity with kids who are battling cancer. This year’s event held special meaning for the Highlands Heroes Team from Highlands Elementary, who were supporting one of their own students undergoing pediatric cancer treatments. In addition to the shaving fun, the event featured a dedicated kids’ room, a silent auction, and several raffles.

As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants,
the St. Baldrick’s Foundation (stbaldricks.org) supports experts working
to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers.

Photos by Karla Bellandi/KB Photography