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 prayed for him. It was a long and tumultuous journey but one that Garret overcame. Garrett is now thirteen years old and has been cancer free for almost 10 years. He is a good student and athlete as well.
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 event in order to help the children who are going through the same thing that my brother did. Over the past six years, the event has raised over $100,000 for childhood cancer research.
The event itself 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 $24,000, 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.
St. Baldrick’s will be hosted by The Claddagh Bar and Grill on March 23rd. We are well on our way to achieving a successful turn out once again but we still need many shavees to sign up. If you are unable to 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, it is a tradition and a worthy cause.