Thousands Across the U.S. To Go Bald and Take Action for Childhood Cancer Research This Month

March marks more than 25 years of shaving heads to Conquer Kids' Cancer

, /PRNewswire/ -- This March, communities across the U.S. will come together to support the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity of childhood cancer research grants, in the fight against childhood cancer. Thousands of men, women, and children will shave their heads to show solidarity with kids battling cancer and to raise crucial funds for research. But head-shaving is just one way to make an impact—supporters can also fundraise, volunteer, or donate to help find cures for childhood cancer.

"Year after year, our participants go above and beyond, whether it's their first time shaving, a long-standing tradition, or a unique way to fundraise." Says Mariela Castillo, St. Baldrick's National Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and Events. "Their passion fuels critical research, and it's incredible to see communities unite for one purpose—to find cures for kids with cancer."

More than 25 years ago, three colleagues challenged each other to give back in a bold way. Inspired by a thick head of hair and a little Irish luck, they turned their annual St. Patrick's Day gathering into something bigger—shaving heads to raise money for childhood cancer research. What began as a goal to raise $17,000 quickly became $104,000, proving that small acts can create a ripple effect of impact.

That ripple has grown into something extraordinary. Since becoming an independent nonprofit in 2005, St. Baldrick's has funded more than $354 million in childhood cancer research grants—fueling every stage of research, from early discovery to clinical trials. The Foundation supports institutions across the globe working to find cures and treatments for all types of childhood cancer. By funding only the most promising research, St. Baldrick's has played an integral role in critical breakthroughs over the last 25 years that have increased survival rates and saved lives.

Yet, the fight is far from over. In the U.S., one in five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive. Among those who do, more than 99% will face chronic health conditions by the time they turn 50, with 96% experiencing severe or life-threatening issues. St. Baldrick's remains committed to changing these statistics by funding the most promising childhood cancer research worldwide and fueling the next 25 years of cures.

"The last 25 years have proven the power of collective action, and we're just getting started," says, Kathleen Ruddy, St. Baldrick's CEO. "Whether you shave, donate, or start a fundraiser, you are part of the movement to give kids with cancer a future. Every effort, big or small, brings us one step closer to cures."

You too can join this movement. Here's how:

• Be a Hero – Whether you shave your head, donate, or start a fundraiser, every action helps in the fight against childhood cancer.
• Host an Event – Organize a head-shaving event, fundraiser, or virtual challenge to rally your community and raise funds.
• Volunteer – Help plan events, support participants, or contribute in other meaningful ways.
• Make a Donation – Fund top-tier childhood cancer research to develop cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers.

With more than 300 events taking place in March, there are countless ways to get involved. To find an event near you, sign up to shave, start a fundraiser, or donate, visit www.stbaldricks.org.

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About St. Baldrick's Foundation

Every 2 minutes, a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., 1 in 5 will not survive. The St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, has awarded more than $354 million to researchers to Conquer Kids' Cancer.  When you give to St. Baldrick's, you don't just give to one hospital – you support every institution with the expertise to treat kids with cancer across the U.S. St. Baldrick's ensures that children fighting cancer now — and those diagnosed in the future — will have access to the most cutting-edge treatment, by supporting every stage of research, from new ideas in the lab to the training of the next generation of researchers, to lifesaving clinical trials. St. Baldrick's has played a role in virtually every advancement in the field over the past 25 years and remains essential in advancing progress and fostering innovation in childhood cancer research.  Visit StBaldricks.org and help #ConquerKidsCancer.

SOURCE St. Baldrick's Foundation