Teen Talk
What Are a Few Hairs for a Smile on a Child?
By Stephanie Courtois
Each year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer around the globe. Cancer is the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. and Canada. Research saves lives.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has supported cancer research by hosting an annual event in March each year. Brave volunteers vow to shave their heads in order to raise money for this worthy cause.
Previously, high schools such as Wellington and Palm Beach Central have had shaving competitions to see who could raise the most funds. This year not only the students have this opportunity to make a difference, but everyone in the Wellington area.
Village Park on Pierson Road is sponsoring this event beginning at 3 p.m. on March 25. Representatives of each school will be there rooting for all the shavees. However, for the girls who wish not to shave off all of their beautiful tresses, Locks of Love will be offered as well. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.There is a 6 inch minimum to just cut one’s hair, but 10 inches is required in order to successfully make a wig for a cancer patient.
It all starts with research. It is the basis for new ideas to be born to find a cure for this tragic disease. I feel that one day we will find one. It will be one of the greatest discoveries in the history of medicine.
Bigger. Badder. Balder. This is the goal that we wish to attain this spring. This cause has affected me personally. My close family friend Ricki from Forest Hills, NY, who I consider my aunt, has been struck with breast cancer. It hurt me deeply to know that someone so dear to me had to endure so much pain. She is valiant and I applaud her for her ongoing strength and effortful fight.
This is my second year with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, so far this year they have raised $12,080,347 and there are still many donations yet to be made. Last year in 2010, they raised over $22 million. I am a volunteer for this cause and my goal is to raise a mere $100. That is my realistic goal. It would bring me the greatest joy to raise $500.
With your help that wish can come true. Not for me, but for all the children who are not able to live the lives that they deserve. If you would like to sponsor me in my search for cure please donate any amount that you can.
Visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/stephanie423235. You can donate on the website or by phone. It would mean so much to me if you could help this cause and I appreciate your readership and support.
Stephanie Courtois is a junior at Wellington High School. She is involved in tae kwon do, French, National and Chemistry Honor Societies, and is the news editor for the school newspaper. She loves journalism and aspires to work for a magazine someday.