Pediatric Cancer kills more children than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and AIDs combined, yet only 3-4 percent of Federal cancer research funds are earmarked for pediatric cancer research. Fortunately, the St. Baldrick’s organization wants to help.
St. Baldrick’s is a nonprofit organization that collects money for pediatric cancer research through benefits held nationwide during the weeks and months around Patrick’s Day. Since cancer patients lose their hair from corrective treatments supporters show their solidarity by having their heads shaved.
This week, Chick-Fil-A Bristow, located at the Sowder Village Square Shopping Center in Manassas will hold a St. Baldrick’s Head-Shaving Event and Family Fun Day on St. Patrick's Day, Sat., Mar. 17. From 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Stylists from Jolie Laidie Salon in Braemar Village Plaza will be shaving the heads of participants in tents set up just outside the restaurant.
Kelly Owens, marketing director of the Bristow Chick-Fil-A, wanted to continue to support the event that she participated in when she worked for the Fairfax County Police Department.
“I used to be a police dispatcher for the Fairfax County police, and I was involved [with St. Baldrick’s] every year. It just touched my heart. I decided when I came here that this was the first event I wanted to do,” Owens said.
Last year her restaurant raised just over $14,000 for the organization.
“This year our goal is $15,000, but I think we’re going to far surpass that,” said Owens.
Owens offers plenty of other ways to contribute as well, such as bidding in a silent auction, or sponsoring individuals or a team of ‘shavees.’
There will also be entertainment for children such as face-painting, balloon artists, and an appearance by the Chick-Fil-A cow.
Adults can bring in old computers, cell phones, VCRs or other used technology to Dominion Waste Recycling and Refining, who will make a monetary donation, based on the total weight the appliances they receive. Stampin-Up will also be there, so people can design their own cards for St. Jude’s children.
The Prince William Sheriffs Department Honor Guard will commence the event by presenting the colors, and Marsteller Middle School student Nathaniel Owens will sing the National Anthem. There is also a roster of guest speakers.
Overall, Owens expects it to be a fun experience for participants.
“It’s a topic that most people are still uncomfortable talking about, and it’s a fun way to deal with it,” said Lisa Ringham, whose daughter, Emily Ringham is an Honored Child by St. Baldrick’s and a guest speaker at the event.
Ringham found her way to St. Baldrick’s while Emily was undergoing treatment for cancer
“I was fascinated by the idea of being able to do something finally. Because during treatment you spend so much time just waiting,” Ringham said.
Now cancer-free, Emily is an upbeat eighth grade student at Marsteller Middle School. She loves to draw and spend time with her friends. But surgery to remove a tumor from her brain caused Emily to loss all of her motor skills. It has been a difficult road for Emily who has had to relearn how to move, speak and even chew.
“I think the hardest part is not what you would think. I won’t have my beautiful hair again, and I won’t be good at the many things I was before, like playing basketball,” Emily said.
However Emily has inspired her friends and classmates to take action. The Ruri-Teens Club of Marsteller, a student service organization has already raised $3,400 dollars for the cause.
Ruri-Teens have been making posters, soliciting sponsors and some of the young men have agreed to be ‘shavees,’ while others members have volunteered their time at the event.
People who wish to participate can visit the St. Baldrick's Bristow Chick-Fil-A Event Site for details.
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