Going bald for cancer research

Participants shave their head for cancer research during the annual St. Baldrick’s event. Photo: Jenny Fontaine

The Children’s Hospital University of Illinois will host its annual head-shaving event to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Staff, physicians and families of children with cancer volunteer each year to have their heads shaved in support of childhood cancer research and fellowships. Sign up to be a “shavee” or to volunteer or donate online.

The event takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the University of Illinois Hospital.

UI Health provides comprehensive services to children and adolescents with cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation began as a challenge between friends and has since grown into the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research.