Cancer and clipping meet at St. Baldrick's Day

By Janice Tarlecki

At Barracuda’s in Portland Sunday over 200 heads were shaved in the name of cancer research, in an event known as St. Baldrick’s Day, downtown at Barracuda’s. MHCC teacher Chrissy Bloome was there to shine in all her glory as dyed pink locks fell from her head, helping her bring in over $1,200 in donations to the cause.

“The event was something intriguing to me, because I’ve always wanted to see what it would be like to shave my head, and this was the best reason I could think of to do it,” said Bloome. “Ever since I was in Asia, I considered doing this because I loved the way the short hair I had was so velvety on the shaved parts,” said Bloome. “I couldn’t believe how many generous donations came in from the college and surrounding areas. I signed up just six days before the event, and the generosity was amazing and heartwarming,” she added.

Unfortunately, Bloome’s husband was delayed in flight and was unable to join her for the event, but her daughter Mackenzie Dale was there for morale support. “They call us Bloome ‘n Dales,” Bloome said. “My youngest daughter didn’t want to come because she was afraid I would look scary, so she dyed my hair pink and coated it with stiffener as part of her contribution.”

The Portland event is getting larger every year, and boasts the largest amount of women participants in the entire United States. Of the Sunday participants, over a third were women. The fundraiser has grown from just three people sitting in a bar talking about how they could help.

By the end of the first St. Baldrick’s Day, on March 17, 2000, over $100,000 had been raised. Since that time, in the last six years, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $12 million, and grows larger in participation each time.

Terri Krevanko of Emmanuel Children’s Ward, and Jen Usinger, Emmanuel Children’s Hospital specialist, were both among volunteers working at the Portland event. “It’s very easy to get involved and be a part through the St. Baldrick’s website, and we come back every year because of how much fun it is, and how many children are helped,” said Krevanko.

Usinger said, “I shaved three years ago, and intend to do it again next year. This is an awesome chance to help the children, and get a free haircut,” she joked.

After Bloome was shaved, and had her picture taken for their archives, she laughed and said, “Guess I’ll have to wear a different wig every day to school for awhile. Hmm, maybe I’ll start with a long black one.” Clippees are pictured online at the St. Baldrick’s website, http://www.stbaldricks.org/default.asp, where more information is available.