St. Baldrick’s Day will be hosted by The Claddagh Bar and Grill on March 29th. We hope to get 40 to 50 shavees this year to shed their locks in solidarity. If you are unable to shave your head or make it to the event please consider making a donation. If you have any questions you can contact me, Zach Semenetz, at (845)661-3634 or zjs5@cornell.edu. Please consider contributing to this amazing event, a beautiful tradition and worthy cause.
In 2003, my brother Garrett was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a solid tumor cancer that presented on his liver. He went through a year and a half of treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He lost his hair and endured more pain than any three year old should ever have to. My family suffered with him and supported him in every way we could. It was a long and tumultuous journey but one that Garrett, and my family, overcame. Garrett is now fourteen years old and has been cancer free for almost 10 years. He is a great student and athlete, as a varsity wrestler at Mahopac High School.
While Garrett was undergoing treatment, we met many families going through the same struggle. We were exposed to the world of pediatric cancer and the network of support that these “cancer families” benefit from. Even though Garrett is healthy, we have not forgotten those challenging times, or the children and families who are still struggling with life-threatening illnesses.
Since 2007, my family has organized an annual St. Baldrick's event in order to help children overcome cancer like Garrett did. Over the past seven years, the event has raised over $130,000 for childhood cancer research.
The Mahopac event has been an annual holiday in our town. Hundreds of people come to the event to be barbers, shavees, volunteers, or donors. It is a wonderful experience with an atmosphere of generosity and community. People who never thought they could shave their heads will be some of the first ones in line for the barber. Last year the event raised over $32,000, and we had a great turnout from members of the Mahopac community. We hope to raise even more money and shave even more heads this year in support of this worthy cause.