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Aiden said, "I think I know why I got cancer. I got cancer to cure cancer." Aiden was a bright boy who wanted to grow up and find the cure for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Sadly that was not meant to be. Aiden loved seeing how his story helped others. So maybe Aiden got cancer to cure cancer. Maybe the people he inspired to shave, fundraise and donate will fund the research that finds the cure.
2025
$46,154
Funds Raised in 2025
2024
$26,345
Funds Raised in 2024
$1,607,885
Total Funds Raised
Since 2010

The Story Behind This Hero Fund

In July 2008 our beautiful, bright, funny and sweet 8 year old son Aiden was diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. He had a grapefruit sized tumor in his pelvis and the cancer had metastasized to his lungs.

Aiden was the type of child who made an impression on everyone he met. People always commented on how special he was. When he was a toddler, a friend asked how it felt to be the Mom of such an exceptional child. I said,” Every mother feels their child is exceptional.” She said, “No. Not like this. He is truly remarkable.” When he received this horrific diagnosis, I felt in my soul that God would not take him from us. He was surely meant for some great task. He was supposed to use his gifts to do something wonderful for the world.

One day while driving to the city for treatment, Aiden said, “I think I know why I got Cancer. I got cancer so I could cure Cancer.” He made his treatment a scientific study. Even at the young age of 9 he asked questions about the cells in his body and the science of the chemotherapy he was receiving. One doctor remarked that after spending 5 minutes with him he was convinced he could solve the crisis in the Middle East.

Aiden attended his first St Baldrick’s event in 2009. He was brought to a local restaurant, Trinity in Floral Park, by Bob GaNun, a man from our town who was passionate about the cause of Childhood Cancer. Bob had a fire truck bring Aiden to the event. When we arrived, 5 nine year old boys stood cheering. , Aiden's friends and teammates were there waiting to shave their heads. We were amazed by the courage of these boys and the love and support Aiden was receiving. Aiden, who always wore a hat to cover his bald head, took off his hat for the first time in public that day. He stood among his newly bald friends and smiled the biggest smile we saw in a long time. He said, “For the first time I feel normal.” St. Baldrick’s raises money for the most promising treatments and at the same time, sends the message to those fighting that they are not alone. A very powerful message.

In December 2010, Aiden passed away from the monster disease. He suffered and fought like a lion. He died knowing how his story helped others. How his life brought out the best in others. His life has inspired others to get involved in St Baldrick’s and to date our Floral Park event has raised 1.7 million dollars. 250 people shaved their heads and raised money last year in his memory. Aiden was right all along. He got cancer to cure cancer. Just not the way we thought he would. Aiden's Army will continue marching until a cure comes.

Highlights & Happenings

  • Floral Park Event

    Floral Park is an amazing group of people who have raised over $3 million dollars for Children's Cancer Research. Find out more here.
  • St. Baldrick's Ladies Night

    The annual St. Baldrick's Ladies Night is happening on March 1. Join us for a night of dancing, drinks, dinner, and raffles. Get your tickets here.
  • Your Support Means So Much

    These friends and family members helped us raise funds for childhood cancer research in support of Aiden! See the 2017- 2024 list.

Photo Gallery

Funding in Action

Donations given to the Aiden's Army Fund have funded St. Baldrick's Fellow grants for Ruyan Rahnama M.D. and Michael Deel M.D., St. Baldrick's Scholar grants for Benjamin Stanton, Ph.D. and Brian Ladle, M.D. Ph.D., and a St. Baldrick's Research Grant for Guangheng Li M.D., Ph.D.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.

Donate

Who's Involved

These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of Aiden's Army. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.

2025 Teams

  • Aiden’s Army  Team Photo
      Aiden’s Army
      • May 3rd, 2025
      • Trinity Bar and Restaurant
      • Floral Park, NY

      Raised $34,543.29

      Participants 12

    Thank You to Our 2025 Donors

    $1,000–$2,499

    • The Corcoran Family In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • Brian, Christine, Brian, Candice, Michael and Rebecca Hanratty In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Diezte & Associates, LLC In Honor Of Michael Fogarty
    • Saporita family In Honor Of Michael Fogarty

    $500–$999

    • Matthew, Amanda, Emma and Peter Talty In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • International Seaways/DSSI In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • TEEKAY SHIPPING In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Penfield Marine / MaerskTankers In Memory Of Michael J Fogarty
    • Roger and Amy In Honor Of Michael Fogarty
    • Tim & Irene Brennan In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • McQuilling Partners, Inc. In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • Barbara Menendez In Memory Of Michael G Fogarty

    $250–$499

    • McKie Family In Honor Of Michael Fogarty
    • Christine Connolly In Memory Of Michael Fogarty

    $100–$249

    • Don and Raina Josberger In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Joe Rich In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Rob & Gena King In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Bob and Lori Rediger In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • John, Phyllis, Aideen and Cormac Gill In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Derya Sabaz In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • Ken Koneck, Eileen and Chris Anderson, Diane and Doug Brown In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Geralyn Corcoran In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • The Meegan Family In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Aris & Katrina Baroutakis In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Susan Neuscheler
    • Barbara Nelsen In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • William Harten In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Margaret Fiedler In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Eric Halbeck In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • JOHN MCDERMOTT
    • keith M Durocher In Honor Of MIke Fogarty
    • Sawicki family In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Dick Barnard In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Noreen McCarthy In Honor Of Michael Fogarty
    • Anonymous
    • Patricia O'Grady In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Julia Ferrante In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Tara and Kevin Stewart In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • jean mulholland
    • Angie & Karl Ruhry In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • The Filoso Family In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • Mr. & Mrs. Anthony LoGrippo In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Kathleen & Paul Wilson In Memory Of Aiden Binkley
    • Lorraine Lubicich In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Nick Moore In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Michael Jedlicka In Honor Of Michael Fogarty
    • Ewan Larkin, Roan Larkin, Liam Murray, Martin Davis, Dylan Carilli, Colin Ward, Olivier Bastien In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Lisa Jones Hanratty In Memory Of Michael Fogerty

    $1–$99

    • Mark and Barbara Cunningham In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Mega Family In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Stephanie Thomson In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Fonseca Family In Memory Of Michael G Fogarty
    • Erica Tener In Memory Of Michael G. Fogarty
    • robert tulaba
    • Jacqueline Arrindell In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Karen Pruzan
    • Jean & Neil Doherty In Memory Of Mike Fogarty
    • Leemay Ni Wu In Memory Of Michael Fogarty
    • Meg Smith In Memory Of Michael Fogarty

    Get Involved Your Own Way

    • Create An Event

      Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.

    • Be a Shavee

      Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.

    • Start a Fundraiser

      Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!

    This event is private

    Private events are for people at the company, organization, school, etc., where the event is taking place. Please don't crash the party.

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    Private events are for people at the company, organization, school, etc., where the event is taking place.