The St. Baldrick’s head shaving and donation event, which has been going on since 2009, is an annual initiative that will be hosted this year on March 17. The event will take place in the Commons from the 4B lunch period until the 6A lunch period.
The St. Baldrick’s 2025 head shaving event aims to help children with cancer by funding new and revolutionary research that is less dangerous to kids than current methods and employing these new technologies to help make cancer treatment more successful and less harmful.
While head shaving is the most common donation method, St. Baldrick’s also acknowledges many students may be nervous and anxious about having their head shaven, which is why St. Baldrick’s offers alternatives.
“Not everybody has to shave their head. I mean I’ve never shaved my head and I’ve been doing this for a long time, you could donate with students who are, donate on our website, or bring some change for the donations on the 17th,” stated Sandburg Spanish teacher Mrs. Mendoza. Mendoza is the St. Baldrick’s staff sponsor.
Mrs. Mendoza also mentions that students can also donate on the website or in person on the shaving dates. Students who want to do more and help out more with the event itself can encourage other students to donate, or to shave their heads alongside them if they are shaving themselves. They can also become first class ambassadors and help administer the event next year.
While the idea may be a bit nerve wracking, those who decide to shave feel profound support from others around them. English teacher Mr. Kwak said, “Mr. J found out, and he’s a super all-star, he’s raised thousands of dollars. When he found out, he dropped by, he offered support and help. It’s a cool, rewarding experience that I don’t think I would have had without this.”
Shaving one’s head is a big decision that offers solidarity to those undergoing treatment. Mr. Kwak said that he thinks “The first reaction [will be] shock, as so many students know me as the guy with the long hair and the beard. So, there’s a lot of shock, but also excitement, like, ‘He’s going to be bald, it’s so exciting!'”
“What inspired me is that my hair is long now, so I wanted a fresh start and I wanted to get rid of it. For me, it was two birds with one stone. I figured if I was going to shave it all off, which is something I wanted to do anyway, I’d want to do it for a good cause. This is my first year ever doing it, so I’m super excited and a bit anxious too,” stated Mr. Kwak.
Athletic Director Mr. Schanz agrees that the experience can be a bit nerve-wracking, but ultimately rewarding and important. “I think I look kind of silly with my head shaved, but if it makes the kids think about other people and show empathy, I think that’s a wonderful life lesson – to just, for even a small amount of time, imagine what a child with cancer is going through, is really an emotional experience, and it’s good for people to show empathy towards those less fortunate. And it feels good to do something nice for other people.”
A particularly emotional story is that of Alejandro Claure, a Sandburg student who graduated in 2017 and was going through cancer himself.
“A few years ago we had a student, Alejandro, who was going through cancer. He shaved his head, and a lot of students did it with him. It was very emotional and we had a lot of females shave their head, and shave all of their long hair off, which to me is very selfless,” stated Mrs. Mendoza.
Mr. Schanz give tips for those undergoing the shave. He stated, “Take lots of pictures. The before-and-afters are great. I would either have your own set of clippers or make an appointment with Great Clips just to clean up [after the shave] beforehand. I’d say wear a hat after, since it’s way colder on your head, and embrace it. You spend a lot less money on shampoo and hair gel. You don’t spend as much money on haircuts, so it’s good for your personal economy.”
Everyone who was asked about their participation in the shaving agreed that the experience was rewarding, exciting, and fun.
“It’s very rewarding. We’ve raised over $320,000 for St. Baldrick’s since 2009. It’s great to see our staff and students so generous for this event/charity,” said Mrs. Mendoza.
For students who want to know more about how they could volunteer to be part of the cause for St. Baldrick’s, email Mrs. Mendoza, or find her in room N212.