The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a beneficial organization working towards a cure for cancer. It is mostly involved in research and initiatives towards childhood cancer. The foundation is funded almost entirely through donations and staffed completely by volunteers. Their primary mission is to find cures for childhood cancer by backing the most advanced and promising research initiatives of today.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation first began when a few insurance employees decided to shave their heads in an event to raise money for kids with cancer. The idea caught on, soon skyrocketing into multi-state events that were raising tens of thousands of dollars. Soon, similar events began happening around the country, and money was pouring in to fill up research grants and needed medical funds. In 2005 the movement officially became a non-profit organization, and the foundation’s effect extended into the global sphere, holding events in Germany, India, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil and multiple more countries across the globe. The organization has raised millions of dollars for childhood cancer research over the past decade, all in donated funds.

One tradition at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that separates it from other childhood cancer organizations is their head-shaving tradition. Family members, friends and even complete strangers will shave their heads to show support for the children suffering though chemotherapy. Individuals that participate in these events are commonly known as ‘shavees.’ These type of events involving head-shaving work as the primary fundraisers for St. Baldrick’s, though anonymous and charitable donations also compromise a great amount of their funds. It is believed that such head-shaving events not only publicly display the need for a cancer cure, but also improve the self-esteem and hope of children suffering from cancer.

Business, individuals and celebrities have all supported St. Baldrick events, and the foundation works with other childhood cancer organizations such as People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2) and Alliance for Childhood Cancer. Events for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation are held at schools, parks, local bars, college campuses and local businesses around the world. Almost 100% of the funds raised by St. Baldrick’s Foundation go directly to research initiatives or grants, making it one of the largest supporters of childhood cancer research in the word. The foundation also supports personal interaction and allows volunteers to meet childhood cancer survivors and read stories of success for kids who have benefited from St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Overall, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is changing the lives of thousands of children with their efforts to combat childhood cancer.