This March signifies over a quarter-century of head-shaving to help conquer childhood cancer.

LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2025 — This March, communities throughout the nation will unite to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity dedicated to childhood cancer research. Thousands of individuals, spanning men, women, and children, will shave their heads as a gesture of solidarity with children facing cancer and to generate vital funds for research. However, head-shaving represents just one avenue for contribution; supporters also have the option to fundraise, volunteer, or make donations to facilitate the discovery of cures for childhood cancer.

“Each year, our participants consistently surpass expectations, whether they are first-time shavers, maintaining a cherished tradition, or devising innovative fundraising methods,” states Mariela Castillo, National Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and Events at St. Baldrick’s. “Their enthusiasm fuels essential research, and it’s inspiring to witness communities come together with a shared objective: to discover cures for children with cancer.”

Over two decades ago, three colleagues challenged each other to make a significant impact. Inspired by a full head of hair and a touch of Irish fortune, they transformed their annual St. Patrick’s Day gathering into a more meaningful cause: shaving heads to collect funds for childhood cancer research. Initially aiming to raise $17,000, they quickly exceeded expectations, reaching $104,000, thus demonstrating the power of small actions to spark significant change.

That initial impact has blossomed into something remarkable. Since its establishment as an independent nonprofit in 2005, St. Baldrick’s has provided over $354 million in grants for childhood cancer research, supporting all stages of research, from initial discoveries to clinical trials. The Foundation provides support to institutions globally that are dedicated to identifying cures and treatments for all forms of childhood cancer. By prioritizing funding for the most promising research, St. Baldrick’s has been crucial in accelerating breakthroughs that have improved survival rates and saved lives.

Despite progress, the battle is ongoing. In the U.S., one in five children diagnosed with cancer will not survive. Of those who do, over 99% will experience chronic health issues by the age of 50, with 96% facing severe or life-threatening conditions. St. Baldrick’s remains dedicated to altering these statistics by investing in the most promising research on childhood cancer worldwide.

“The past 25 years have showcased the potential of collective action, and we are only beginning,” says Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick’s. “Whether you shave your head, contribute financially, or initiate a fundraiser, you are contributing to providing a future for children with cancer. Each effort, regardless of size, brings us closer to finding cures.”

Join the movement by:

• – Every action, whether shaving your head, donating, or starting a fundraiser, contributes to the fight against childhood cancer.
• – Organize a head-shaving event, a fundraising campaign, or a virtual challenge to engage your community and raise funds.
• – Assist with event planning, offer support to participants, or contribute in other significant ways.
• – Support leading-edge childhood cancer research to create cures and enhance treatments for all forms of childhood cancer.

With over 300 events planned for March, numerous opportunities exist for involvement. To locate events near you, sign up, donate, or volunteer, visit StBaldricks.org.

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About St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Globally, a child is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. In the U.S., 1 in 5 of those children will not survive. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the leading charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, has granted over $354 million to researchers with the goal of conquering kids’ cancer. When you donate to St. Baldrick’s, your contribution supports not just one hospital but every institution equipped to treat children with cancer across the U.S. St. Baldrick’s ensures that children currently battling cancer, as well as those diagnosed in the future, have access to the most innovative treatments by supporting every stage of research—from groundbreaking lab discoveries to training the next generation of researchers and conducting life-saving clinical trials. St. Baldrick’s has played a role in nearly every advancement in the field over the past 25 years and remains essential in driving progress and fostering innovation in childhood cancer research. Visit StBaldricks.org and help #ConquerKidsCancer.

SOURCE St. Baldrick’s Foundation

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