Head-Shaving

Dr. Brad Doubles Donations on His Head for Kids With Cancer

by Dr. Brad Clodfelter
March 19, 2013
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Dr. Brad compares haircuts with patient and fellow shavee, Gerry; Dr. Brad’s office sign

“If you shave your head, it will be the most EXPENSIVE haircut you get because you’ll be paying for a divorce! I dare you!”

That was my wife’s response after she found out I was going to go bald at the St. Christina Cardinals event organized by my patient, Rita Kennedy.

Well, not one to back down from a dare, I became a shavee for the first time in 2011.

I’m happy to report I’m still married and signed up to shave for the third time this year!

I thought I did pretty well the first time and met my fundraising goal, but last year, I decided I wanted to do more to raise funds for St. Baldrick’s. I am an optometrist with a busy practice, and I came up with a simple plan: to match donations, dollar for dollar, from patients, friends, vendors — anyone who would support me and the cause.

My plan was so positively received that I matched almost 50 donations totaling $2,262 in two months! I’ve already put the word out for this year’s shave and my matching program is well underway.

Now, I know not everyone can give this way, but I realized I wanted to do this because I can. Being in a high-profile position where I come into contact with a lot of people, I have the ability to do more and give more. I do this on the premise that someday soon, the money given and raised today will have a significant impact on the lives of children, especially kids with cancer.

And I do this to honor the memory of my beautiful niece, Ryane, who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at 18 years of age and lost her battle in 2000 at the age of 21. She was courageous and determined to live to celebrate her 21st birthday — which she did.

As long as I have hair and enough hair gel to keep me going, I intend to keep shaving for St. Baldrick’s and matching donations to raise awareness and funds so precious lives like Ryane’s will have the chance to realize their dreams and potential — well beyond their 21st birthdays.

Help kids fight cancer — sign up to be a shavee or donate today!


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