Philly radio DJ Kevin Crockett tells us about the first time he shaved with St. Baldrick’s, the little boy who inspires him, and how he’s giving hope to kids and families fighting childhood cancer.
“Helping people deal with everyday problems through hope and humor.”
That’s our unofficial station mantra. And if you were to take a walk around the 92.5XTU studios here in Philadelphia, that is our approach every day.
Whether mics are on or off, it’s an approach that I take with me everywhere I go.
We are given an incredible platform in this business, to give a voice to those who need it.
Of course, we laugh — Lord knows I don’t take myself too seriously.
But, more importantly, there is hope.
I was just a teenager when I sat down in that St. Baldrick’s chair for the first time. My mom who worked (and still does) for our local fire department told me about a fundraiser her team was having. Though I typically wore a buzzed cut around anyway, I figured I’d take the money I could from out of my pockets, sit down and get a clean shave.
Little did I know the feeling that I’d be leaving with.
Aside from the ability to feel the breeze a little better, I can still remember the vibe in that place the first time I did it. There were beautiful people walking around, having just given up something of their own for a tremendous cause.
Family, friends, strangers, all coming together for a great event that celebrated life. That celebrated love. That celebrated hope.
Fast forward to 29-year-old Kevin.
I am an uncle to three nephews and a niece. I hope to be a father someday. And I cannot imagine what children and families who battle this disease go through. I can’t imagine being a parent or a loved one trying to help their child and feeling helpless, knowing that your child’s pain cannot be eased by your hands alone.
But I know there is hope.
Danny and Kevin after Danny’s shave for St. Baldrick’s in March.
And I know for many people, a little hope can go a long way.
In my time in radio, I got to know a little guy named Danny. Danny and his father, Dan, have become great friends to us here at XTU, and Danny is the little guy I honor every year when I shave. Danny was diagnosed with T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, and Dan told us that the drugs Danny would be given in the beginning of his recovery would be toxic to him.
I can’t imagine the feeling of knowing that all you want to do is help your child, and feeling like you can’t.
But, Dan had hope.
Danny is doing well now. He is in remission with no evidence of disease. He can run around and play soccer and head to country concerts with a smile, all because of the great people in his corner and the experimental drugs that were funded by organizations like St. Baldrick’s — which ultimately saved his life.
Hope is a beautiful thing. St. Baldrick’s provides it to families who are hoping for a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, and I consider myself blessed to be able to give a voice to such a wonderful cause.
Like Kevin, you can lend your voice to children with cancer. Get involved today.
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