Head-Shaving

Simple Act, Big Impact: My First Shave for St. Baldrick’s

by Robb Selander
April 6, 2015

Robb recounts how his first St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event wasn’t quite what he’d expected. “I hadn’t anticipated the emotions that filled the place,” he said. Read on to learn more how Robb’s decision to shave is changing his life.

Robb poses for a group selfie at the McMullan's Irish Pub St. Baldrick's event

Robb, right, poses with friends before getting his head shaved.

A month ago, I had my head shaved. I had done it many times before, but this time, things felt very different.

This time, I shaved my head for the St. Baldricks Foundation to raise money for childhood cancer research. I’d heard about the head-shaving event just a couple of weeks before it would all take place. I knew I didn’t have much time but I also knew that I had to be involved.

I signed up to get my head shaved and actually had no idea if I would raise any money at all, so I set my fundraising goal at $1,000. It didn’t seem like a lot, but suddenly, there was this number looming and the clock was ticking. I had never done something like this before, and while I know that every cent helps, I wanted to reach my goal. And finally, I not only reached it, but I went a little bit over.

3 Reasons Why I'm Shaving My Head
The event itself was not what I expected. I imagined I would arrive at McMullan’s Irish Pub, have a drink with friends, get my head shaved and be done with it. I hadn’t anticipated the emotions that filled the place. It was crowded to overflowing. So many people were there to have their heads shaved, including children and women who were donating their long hair to be used for wigs.

There were tears and laughter and hugs and smiles. It was such a mix of emotions. I have friends and family that have dealt with cancer. Some have beat it; others have not, including my dad who passed away almost 13 years ago. And then, while I have never had cancer, going through two strokes taught me the importance of giving and accepting help from others. I would never had made it through had it not been for the kindness and support of others. Sometimes it was just a kind word, sometimes it was more involved, and it was all necessary.

Robb after shaving his head for kids with cancer

Robb after he shaved his head at a St. Baldrick’s event last month.

So I sat in my chair with the buzz of the clippers in my ear and the cold metal on my scalp. I was sad and happy and excited and filled with so much emotion.

It wasn’t about shaving my head. It wasn’t about any of us shaving our heads. It was about children whose names I will never know, families who will go through things I can’t even begin to wrap my head around and honestly hope I never have to. It was about the parents there that had lost children, about the people that had lost brothers and sisters.

It was also about celebrating life, having a beer with friends and realizing that being there, just being able to be there, alive and healthy, was an incredible gift.

I left feeling elated and introspective and since then, I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about the event and what it really meant. It has caused me to look at things a little differently and has started me on the path of change, something I have felt coming and now I have had just the tiniest push and the momentum has begun.

I never imagined that such a simple act as getting my hair shaved off would have such an impact. It has shown me that we really don’t need to do big, huge things to make a difference. A difference can be made with a flick of the clippers.

Like Robb, you can make an impact for kids with cancer. Sign up to be a shavee℠!

Be a Shavee

Can’t find a St. Baldrick’s event near you? You can be the one who brings the St. Baldrick’s magic to your hometown.

Organize an Event

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