St. Baldrick's Recognizes Outstanding Kids in Observance of "˜Kids Are Heroes Day'

In observance of National ‘Kids Are Heroes Day’ on October 24, St. Baldrick’s Foundation would like to recognize its outstanding kid heroes for their ongoing support: Mason Bernard, Liberty Mildner, Nicky Northen and Eli Horn. ‘Kids Are Heroes Day’ celebrates children who have embraced the act of giving to others. Each of the children recognized by St. Baldrick’s has put forth tremendous efforts to help find a cure for childhood cancer. As the 2009 St. Baldrick’s International Ambassador Child, Mason Bernard, six-years-old, from Aurora, Colo. has been working hard to spread the St. Baldrick’s message to other children and supporters who want to help make a difference in childhood cancer research. Mason represents the thousands of children still battling this devastating disease. Liberty Mildner, seven-years-old, from Dekalb, Ill. braved a shave to support a friend and raised more than $1,000 this year for childhood cancer research. Standing proudly with a cute bald head, Liberty represents all those who have courageously shaved their heads to stand in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments. Eleven-year-old Nicky Northen has helped organize a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event in Orange County, Calif. for the last two years. These two events raised more than $75,000 for pediatric cancer research and involved the entire community, including his Cub Scout troop. Nicky also braved a shave and raised more than $6,300 individually. Ames, Iowa native, Eli Horn, five-years-old, created quite the buzz as he helped shave heads at this year’s St. Baldrick’s event in Central Park, N.Y. while sporting a green Mohawk. Eli was chosen as the honorary barber after his cancer returned this year for the second time. “At St. Baldrick’s, we know that every child can make a difference,” explains Kathleen Ruddy, executive director of St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “In their own way, each of these kids is a hero. Mason and Eli are two of the thousands of brave kids currently battling cancer; they prove this is a battle worth fighting. As friends of childhood cancer patients, Liberty and Nicky help children like Mason and Eli continue their courageous fight against cancer. Their sacrifice and commitment to the childhood cancer cause reminds us that anyone can be a hero.” Caption: (From right to left) Mason Bernard, Nicky Northen, Liberty Mildner, and Eli Horn were chosen as St. Baldrick's heroes for National Kids Are Heroes Day on October 24th.