The buzz around town

(Page 2 of 2)

I think one of the best things about a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser is that anyone can take part in it. I solicited funds, then sat in a chair and got a haircut. OK, it’s a real short haircut, but I didn’t have to run a 5K or jump into a freezing cold ocean. I sat in a chair.

And all types of people participated in the Rockville Centre St. Baldrick’s. There was Karen Palmieri, a cancer survivor and four-time shavee, who told the other women there that they could make a bald head work. All they needed, she said, were big, dangly earrings and a big smile.

There was the family and the classmates of RVC student Doug Gonzalez, who is currently battling cancer. The team started in Doug’s name, Team Dog Strong, raised more than $7,600 for St. Baldrick’s.

Village resident Shannon Bender, the 12-year-old daughter of John Bender, one of the co-creators of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raised $12,000. She didn’t get her head shaved, but she did the next best thing — had 11 inches of her hair cut off and donated to make wigs for people battling cancer. It’s another option that many women who participate in St. Baldrick’s choose.

If you think you can’t do it, just remember 6-year-old Tommy Argresta, who had his head shaved on stage. If Tommy can do it, anyone can.

I miss my hair, but I have no regrets. I plan on sitting in that chair again next year, when I hope I’ll be able to raise even more money. And I hope even more people will take part, and that they all raise more money.

In fact, the only regret I have is that I bought some shampoo the other week, and now it’s going to be sitting around for a while.

Page 2 / 2