Cassell Community Steps Up for First-Grader with Leukemia

A Mt. Greenwood first-grader has inspired his community to give back to a good cause. 

Luke Amelio, 7, will be undergoing treatment for leukemia until March 2016, and his classmates at Cassell Elementary have decided he shouldn't have to go it alone. A group of students kindergarten through first grade will shave their heads Saturday, March 15, for St. Baldrick's Day at the school. The event is the second held at the school, after a successful debut last year, said Luke's mom Jen Amelio. 

"I just felt this overwhelming urge to raise more money for St. Baldrick's," Amelio said. 

Last year's event raised $32,000—and this year, the team's 70 participants have topped that, with $40,000 raised in just two months. Luke's mom Jen Amelio felt compelled to keep the tradition going, and will shave her head for the second year. 

St. Baldrick's Day, a volunteer-driven charity that raises funds to help find cures for childhood cancers. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a national non-profit organization that raises money for childhood cancer research. Volunteers with the organization typically host special events in which they shave their heads in solidarity with children who lost their hair during cancer treatment.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cassell School, 11314 S. Spaulding Ave. Girl Scouts will hold a bake sale, Boy Scouts will offer activity stands, and the PTA will sell nachos and refreshments. Walk-ins are welcome.

Support Jen Amelio's St. Baldrick's efforts.
Learn more about the 'Super Luke' team.
Get to know Luke.