The Hairless Court of St. Baldrick’s

Once upon a time, luxurious dark tresses cascaded below the princess’ shoulders, and her many suitors dreamed of the day that they might win the favor of combing their fingers through the object of their desire. The fantasy dissolved on March 19, 2009, as Cynthia’s locks tumbled to the feet of the barber. Inconsolable with grief, the SheepDog pack of 13 stepped forward in allegiance with their heroine, who sacrificed her locks to benefit children with cancer. In turn, each SheepDog was shorn, and his anguish transformed into joy as he joined his brethren encircling their idol to create the Jackson Police Department’s Hairless Court of St. Baldrick’s.

A few months back, several of my partners and I were rendered bald for the cause of defeating children’s cancer. The event sponsor was the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Here’s how the foundations describes itself.

St. Baldrick's is the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. The St. Baldrick's name is a whimsical twist on St. Patrick's Day. At St. Baldrick's events all throughout the year, brave volunteers shave their heads, raising funds for childhood cancer research. Like runners in a marathon, "shavees" collect donations from friends, family and associates. The St. Baldrick's Foundation receives these funds and makes grants to research experts to find new and better cures for fighting kids cancer. 1

For many guys getting bald is all the rage, so I did not consider it a particularly big deal to cut off my hair for the kiddies. But, women deliberately going bald?

It may be news to the public-at-large, but it’s not news to the St. Baldrick’s community that most women are willing to shave their heads for a good cause. 1

A recent poll conducted by the Oxygen television network revealed that 75% of women polled (ages 18-34) would shave their heads to save the life of a stranger. News to us? Not at all. Since 2000, over 7,100 women have shaved their heads to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Add to that another 1,886 currently registered to go bald in 2009! 1

The employees and friends of the Jackson, WY, Police Department joined the cause. The team raised $8,531 with top fundraiser Cynthia Riedel coming in with $3,980. Way to go, Cynthia and team!

Volunteering in the benefit of charitable organizations, beyond just donating money, is a marvelous way to contribute to a positive aspect of society. Besides doing something good for others, the personal benefits are inestimable.

SheepDogs, there is so much more that you can do, so much more to contribute, other than running toward the gunfire.

Members of the flock, there is so many more of you than SheepDogs. You can make the biggest impact. Step forward and walk the path holding the hands of your fellow humans in need.

Cynthia and her Hairless Court of St. Baldrick’s is one way to do it. Pick your favorite and dive in. The water is fine.

Links in this Blog:
1. St. Baldrick’s Foundation

2. Jackson Police Department and Friends