On Saturday, March 15, the 4th annual St. Baldrick's Celebration was held at Tablerock Brewpub and Grill. The energy was palpable, the tears flowing and the hair flying as people gathered to raise money and awareness for those with childhood cancer by shaving their heads. It was quite a sight to behold and a special day for all who attended.

Prior to the event, over 35 people had signed up and gathered pledges. By the end of the four-hour event, a total of 61 heads were shaved. Shavees were brought up, 3 at a time, to get their heads shorn. The audience was moved and supportive, cheering on both men and women as they shed their hair. The shaving itself was quick and shocking, especially the first strip down the center of the head. But as they emerged from the protection and mask of their hair, their faces were glowing with a beauty that was transformational.

Shasta Luper was one “Shavee”. Her daughter McKynna was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two. Soon after her hair grew back after her treatments, McKynna attended last year's St. Baldrick's event.

Here are the words from the event organizer, Tammie Eslinger, "... about half way through our 2007 event, a little lady named McKynna climbed up on my lap to have her head shaved. I know that doesn't sound too life-changing, but there is more. McKynna is one of my patients. She is a four year old with leukemia whose hair had just grown back. When she saw everyone else shaving for kids with cancer, she asked if she could do it too. So there she sat, holding her little hand straight out so to the ladybug that my mom had just painted on it wouldn't get messed up, not even flinching as Wes so gently shaved her golden locks. And there I sat, trying not to let anyone see my tears, not nearly as brave as McKynna. I realized how very blessed I am to be a part of something so amazing, to be surrounded by children and families who possess a strength that I could only dream of."

McKynna's mother, Shasta, decided that if her daughter could shave her hair, that she, Shasta, would do it this year. Then, Caleigh, the daughter of one of Shasta's coworkers, decided that she too should shave her head to help raise money and awareness. Caleigh is 10 years old and quite a lady with a good head on her shoulders (and a certifiable lovely one as well!) When asked by her grandmother if she wanted to go shopping for some cute hats to wear post-shave, Cal responded, "I'm doing this to raise awareness, how can I do that by wearing a hat?" and then "But I will take a new outfit!"

You can see before and after pictures of Shasta and Caleigh, read their own words and, most importantly, contribute to their efforts by clicking:

• Shasta

• Caleigh

The silent auction and raffle rounded out the heart-warming and head-baring day. To date, the event has raised over $32,000 to support research for childhood cancer, and that number continues to grow. Look for those brave people with bare heads, glowing faces, and pins saying “Ask Me Why I’m Bald” – they are heroes for their expression of solidarity and their efforts to raise awareness and money to fight childhood cancer.

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Again, from event organizer, Tammie Eslinger:
Childhood cancer continues to hold first place among diseases that kill children. Two classrooms of children will be diagnosed with cancer each day. That's a lot of broken hearts. Many of those children will go into remission and live long, healthy lives, but so many will not.

Great strides have been made in the battle against childhood cancer. Overall, about 75% of children diagnosed with cancer will survive, which is great unless your child falls into the remaining 25%. Research can change that. In 1946 when the first treatment for leukemia was discovered, almost every child who was diagnosed would die within a year. Today, as we see in McKynna and so many other St. Baldrick's children, they not only live more than a year, they grow into wonderful adults. Only through the perseverance of those early researchers are we able to witness that success.

Please help support research for childhood cancer in whatever way you feel is appropriate, whether it is through a donation of your time, your money, or your hair. And don't stop there, please spread the word, get everyone you know involved in this mission to end childhood cancer. It seems daunting, but together we can make a difference!

Larissa Lamson