Twenty-one Austin College students had their heads shaved at Rotaract’s 8th annual St. Baldrick’s event April 26 in support of children’s cancer research. The event was cohosted by Austin College Rotaract Club and Grayson County College Rotaract Club. Volunteers sought donations individually in advance of the event, and Rotaract also collected donations during the event. The group raised more than $3,800. Over the course of eight years of Shave for the Cure events, the Austin College group has raised $42,000.
Junior Jack Kennady was the Rotaract coordinator for the event. Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30.
In addition to fundraising, the bald heads display solidarity with kids who are battling cancer—who usually don’t have a choice about their hairstyles. Several of the Austin College participants had grown their hair out so that having their heads shaved benefitted two organizations—St. Baldrick’s and one of various charities that accept hair donations to create and provide hairpieces to individuals who have lost their hair due to medical conditions.
Senior Grant Marcinko had been growing out his hair for some time before shaving his head for St. Baldricks. He said that as his hair had gotten longer, he realized that he could actually help with something. Cancer runs in his family, so this event could help him connect with family members and show solidarity. He not only raised money for St. Baldricks but he also sent his hair to Beautiful Lengths, an organization that makes wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. He says that one of the best things about the St. Baldrick’s day event is that it shows that anyone can get involved.
All funds raised support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Since 2000 when the organization began from within a group of friends, more than 390,000 individuals—including more than 49,000 women—have shaved their heads at 9,000 events, raising critical funds for childhood cancer research.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book College’s That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates and inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.