Why am I shaving my head, and why should you care? 

This is my fourth year participating in St. Baldrick's. Since my first year in 2022, I've honored my paternal grandfather, Pete "The Tailor," and cousins Joanne and Lindsay. In addition to them, I am also honoring my maternal grandfather, Fausto Gaspar, and Waterbury Police Officer Vincent Lombardi this year. I have also been moved by the UConn Women's Basketball team's special relationship with Abby Zittoun, a 13-year-old girl who passed away in October 2024 from neuroblastoma. I think about kids like Abby when I participate in St. Baldrick's, and how they never let their battle with cancer keep their spirits down. There is unbounded love and positivity that they radiate to everyone. 

A challenge among friends 25 years ago has become the largest volunteer movement to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. This year, I’m joining thousands of others to shave my head to raise money for childhood cancer research!

Did you know, 1 in 5 kids diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. won’t survive? For those who do, more than 96% have severe or life-threatening conditions by the time they are 50.

Each shaved head, every dollar donated, creates a ripple effect of progress for kids with cancer.

Your gift will give kids and their families hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Together, let’s give these kids the lifetime they deserve. Thank you for your support!