Shearing for sharing at Colony High School

This St. Patrick’s Day, Colony High School Principal Cyd Duffin will go entirely bald in order to help fund cancer research, but only if students raise $3,000 before then.

National Honor Society is organizing the event and will give the proceeds to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that contributes more to research of childhood cancer and treatment than any other besides the United States government.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation began with the simple notion that if a few people shaved their heads as an act of support for children with cancer, their friends and family would donate money to cancer research. The idea came about as the organization’s founders were organizing a St. Patrick’s Day party, and they decided to merge the two together. After the success of the event, it became a national organization, and today there are affiliated fundraisers all over the United States.

Hair loss is common in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. The treatment targets the cancer cells, but also often kills other fast-growing cells such as hair cells. Losing hair can often be traumatic, or at least upsetting, especially to children and teenagers who are already struggling to be accepted among their peers. Voluntarily going bald is a brave and unique way to show support to those who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Mrs. Duffin’s hair will be donated to Locks of Love when she shaves it, so the hair can be turned into a wig for a child who has lost hair due to chemotherapy.

Duffin is especially passionate about the cause, as her children had a close friend with cancer. Hardly one to refuse a chance to contribute to the cause, it was decided that she will shave her head if the entire school manages to raise $3,000 before St. Patrick’s Day.

“I am excited that students will be motivated for a good cause,” Duffin said. “It’s a great way to get kids passionate about it.”

Students can also sign up to shave their heads for the cause, but for those who are not quite willing to take such drastic measures, a donation is perfectly fine. If every student at Colony High contributes just $3, the goal of $3,000 will be reached and exceeded. Donations can be made to National Honor Society during lunch, and every donor will have a paper shamrock with their name put on a display banner in the library.

Mrs. Plunkett, one of the National Honor Society advisers, hopes the event will bring awareness as well as donations. She also hopes the excitement will reach into the community as well.

With the principal involved, and National Honor Society advertising the event throughout the community, St. Baldrick’s Day will make this St. Patrick’s Day a holiday to remember. Just a few dollars can help make a change.

Eva Colberg is a sophomore at Colony High School.