Going bald to fight childhood cancer

Hair will be falling to the floor Sunday at Rio Rancho Events Center as the New Mexico Firefighters & Friends Head Shaving Fundraiser raises money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Men, women and kids will be shaving their heads to raise funds for childhood cancer research. First responders are asked to sign up with their coworkers. It is the biggest non-government funding source for childhood cancer research. The Old School New Styles Barber Shop of Rio Rancho will be in house for those wanting to shave their heads.

The local Fairytale Princesses group will also be around for support.

The event benefits the University of New Mexico Hospital every year with about $20,000 raised as of Thursday. Sunday’s goal is $60,000.

“Whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer to raise money another way, or make a donation, please join us to give kids with cancer the long, healthy lives they deserve,” St. Baldrick’s said.

The organization says that every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer and that 1 in 5 kids with cancer will not survive. Additionally, they say, by the age of 50, more than 99% of survivors have had a chronic health problem and 96% have experienced a severe or life-threatening condition caused by the treatment that initially saved their life.

Participants in the head-shaving event, which runs noon to 3:30 p.m., not only raise funds, they also spread awareness and shows kids who lost hair during treatment support and hope.

To learn more, visit stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/4368/2023.