“Shaving” Awareness for Childhood Cancer

Tamara Tracz (‘25) & Pranav Vaddepalli (‘26)

On March 15th, 2025, community members young and old gathered for the annual St. Baldrick’s event at Amalfi’s Restaurant in Lawrenceville. Each year, thousands of volunteers around the world organize head-shaving events to raise money for childhood cancer research. Though the most popular time of year for St. Baldrick’s events occur around St. Patrick’s Day, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation affirms that events occur year-round. St. Baldrick's participants typically shave their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair due to cancer treatment, or get involved in other ways as fundraisers and volunteers. Continued and consistent support is especially vital as year after year, the American Childhood Cancer organization estimates a whopping 15,780 children under 19 years old are diagnosed with cancer. Given the gravity of pediatric cancer, the Lawrencian interviewed Dr. Adam, Mr. O’Connor, and LHS student, Nathaniel Nessler, to understand the impact of St. Baldrick’s and their personal connections to its cause.

Participating in the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for the 14th year in a row beginning when he was the principal of Lawrence Intermediate School, Dr. Adam has demonstrated enormous commitment to the effort to raise funds for children battling cancer. Having seen his own family members, friends, and loved ones get sick, Dr. Adam feels closely connected to the organization and its mission. According to him, “If we can make some small sacrifice to find a cure, then it would all be worth the effort”. His words emphasize the importance of both fundraising for and raising awareness about the difficulties children with cancer endure, and specifically encourage everyone to keep fighting. Additionally, Dr. Adam spoke to the well-established community spirit at Lawrence’s fundraiser, as the fundraiser is one of the largest in the mid-Atlantic, with over 180 shavees and 10 teams from across the district! Ultimately, Dr. Adam expresses gratitude for the support the community has given and continues to give, imparting special thanks to McCue Chiropractic Centers for their leadership in organizing the event.

Mr. O’Connor’s involvement in St. Baldrick’s fundraiser originates from his experience growing up with a friend who was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. Seeing the impact cancer had on his friend, along with his community, inspired Mr. O’Connor to join the St. Baldrick’s cause. Though surrounded by tragic circumstances, Mr. O’Connor explains how “Hope is a powerful feeling and when one feels supported, they feel more optimistic, which is a feeling I want to bring to others through participating in St. Baldrick’s,” exemplifying his kind nature and dedication to doing the right thing. Although this is only his second year “braving the shave,” Mr. O’Connor’s is joining a growing global cause, making strides locally as more and more teachers and staff begin to participate in Lawrence’s St. Baldrick’s event. Mr. O’Connor encourages students and community members to support the cause and reminds us that shaving our heads is not the only way to get involved, further highlighting the fact that childhood cancer is an ongoing battle that requires the attention and advocacy of everyone. 

Nathaniel Nessler, a senior, made his debut at the St. Baldrick’s event this year, and it was also his first time cutting/shaving his hair in 6 ½ years. Nessler explains that his father had cancer, so participating in the St. Baldrick’s event this year was a no-brainer. In addition, his post-high school plans involve enlisting in the U.S. army, so he figured he would kill two birds with one stone and save them the trouble of shaving his head.

The St. Baldrick’s event at Lawrence is a testament to the school’s spirit of generosity and unity. With leaders like Dr. Adam and Mr. O’Connor setting the example, the Lawrence community continues to rally together for a cause that touches so many lives. As the fight against childhood cancer goes on, their dedication inspires others to get involved, spread hope, and work toward a future where every child can grow up normally.

This year's Cardinal Shavees!