Kylie, a fifth grade student at MPCS, recently volunteered to have her head shaved to raise money for childhood cancer research in honor of a family friend named Zach. Not only did she fundraise almost $5,000 and earn a medal for being a top fundraiser, she also inspired our student body and faculty with her actions.
“I thought it would be nice to walk in someone else’s shoes and maybe make one kid with cancer smile because I am bald too. I also get to teach my school and classmates what it would be like to have a friend who showed up to school bald because of cancer,” said Kylie.
Kylie gathered with friends and family on Saturday, March 11, at The Exchange Tavern in Westminster where she joined 55 people who “braved a shave for kids with cancer” at one of more than 1,200 St. Baldrick’s Foundation events that occurred across the country that day. Kylie said she was surprised and delighted by the crowd of friends and family who showed up to support her.
As her head was being shaved, Kylie held up a sign that said “For Zach.” Zach had brain cancer when he was 18 and may now be faced with fighting it again at 24. He is the son of one of her mother’s friends and the person who she has lifted up throughout this experience.
Kylie may volunteer to have her head shaved again next year. She is still getting used to not having much hair but appreciates how easy it is to get ready in the morning.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation works closely with leading pediatric oncologists to determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer. St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events raise critical funds for childhood cancer research.
