St. Baldrick's Shaves Heads To Cure Childhood Cancer

ROSWELL, GA — Tanya Connolly-Walsh’s son, Keelin, was just 6 weeks old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer. This St. Patrick’s Day, Keelin will celebrate being 11 years cancer free. For this reason, Walsh has been supporting childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

According to a press release, Connolly-Walsh has helped host an annual fundraiser since 2007 at the Harp Irish Pub in Roswell, 1425 Market Blvd, Suite 1330. This year’s family-friendly fundraiser will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9.

Each year, the fundraiser continues to grow as attendees are invited to shave their heads to raise money for St. Baldrick’s. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $602,786 for childhood cancer research, a press release said.

“Monies raised for St. Baldrick’s are primarily raised through head shaving events throughout the U.S. and more than 28 countries,” Ed Taylor, owner of the Harp Irish Pub, said in the release. “These head-shaving events are all based on bringing together volunteers, families and friends to shave their heads in solidarity for children who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments. This is our way of giving back to the community that we care about and bringing attention to this cause.”

New additions this year at the Roswell event are two special guests, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and philanthropist Kathy Ireland and Los Angeles based magician Michael Rangel.

For more information or to make a donation, visit St. Baldrick's website.

Fundraiser participants volunteer their time with the kids help folding T-shirts, the barbers volunteering to shave the heads and the emcee inspiring the crowd with jokes and laughter, plus encouraging all those submitting their heads to be shaved, both young and old.

The group “Team Spider Monkey,” which has raised more than $236,000 for St. Baldrick’s since 2008, is returning again this year to inspire others to get involved. Connolly-Walsh said they set their goal for $25,000.

Every year multiple members of the Roswell, Atlanta, DeKalb and Johns Creek fire departments get their heads shaved, the release said.