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'Clips for Cancer' event at St. Lawrence University to donate all proceeds to finding cures for childhood cancers

Posted 2/14/14

Clips for Cancer at St. Lawrence University in 2012. Photo by Tara Freeman. By RYAN DEUEL CANTON -- On nearly any college campus, hairdos can come in just about every imaginable (and unimaginable) …

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'Clips for Cancer' event at St. Lawrence University to donate all proceeds to finding cures for childhood cancers

Posted

Clips for Cancer at St. Lawrence University in 2012. Photo by Tara Freeman.

By RYAN DEUEL

CANTON -- On nearly any college campus, hairdos can come in just about every imaginable (and unimaginable) style. But, those who might be sporting a shaved head at St. Lawrence University may have chosen to go bald in order to support children’s cancer research.

On Feb. 22, St. Lawrence’s Pre-Health Club will host its fourth annual “Clips for Cancer” event to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research toward finding cures for childhood cancers. The foundation helps groups around the country coordinate head-shaving events, such as the one that will take place at St. Lawrence. All proceeds raised during Clips for Cancer will benefit St. Baldrick’s.

Because children with cancer often lose their hair during treatment, “shavees,” as coined by St. Baldricks, show their support by voluntarily shaving their heads, inspiring friends and family to donate money to support childhood cancer research. So far this year, St. Baldrick’s has raised more than $3.4 million, and nearly 15,000 have become “shavees.”

While some are ramping up for a good hair clipping, that’s not the only way people can show their support, said Allison (Ally) Baier.

“Not all of us feel comfortable shaving our heads,” said Ally, who is the current president of St. Lawrence’s Pre-Health Club. “People can get involved by donating, spreading the word and volunteering during the event.”

Last year, St. Lawrence raised $9,119. This year, the club aspires to raise $15,000.

According to St. Baldrick’s, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes worldwide, and one in five children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S will not survive.

For Ally, the event is as much personal as it is a cause she believes is worthwhile.

“This event is extremely important,” Ally said. “With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, we are in need of support and funding for childhood cancer research. Personally, I’ve had several family members affected by cancer, and I believe that life saving research can be done with ample funds and support.”

Clips for Cancer will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Winston Room of St. Lawrence University’s Sullivan Student Center. Members of the local and surrounding communities are also encouraged to become involved as well students, faculty and staff from St. Lawrence.

To learn more about St. Lawrence’s Clips for Cancer, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/StLawrenceUniversity.