Downers Grove South Proves Bald is Beautiful, Raises $42,000 for St. Baldrick's

Nearly 60 Downers Grove South students, faculty and family members shaved their heads to raise awareness for childhood cancer last week.

They showed off their bare heads Friday at a special assembly.

The assembly was just one event of many South organized to raise money for St. Baldrick's Foundation, the world’s largest, volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research.

The school's literary magazine, Calliope, ran a poetry slam, the foreign language clubs sold beads for Fat Tuesday, the sophomore class sold Shamrock Shakes, the National Honor Society sold bracelets and t-shirts and the Fillies, Pintos and South Cheerleaders organized a Jump-a-Flip-a-Kick-a-Thon.

South raised $42,000 for St. Baldrick's through all of the events, well exceeding the school's fundraising goal of $30,000.

Friday's assembly kicked off with 55 "shavees" parading around the gym, led by Mikayla Sweeney, of Downers Grove, an eight-year-old cancer survivor.

"Now this assembly is a bit different than those we’ve had in the past," said John Aldworth, director of student activities during the assembly.

"We celebrate homecoming and school spirit here in the gym. We celebrate victories, championships and competition here in the gym.  Today, we are celebrating our community. A community that banded together to support a very worthwhile cause.  We’re celebrating individuals who are making a sacrifice for this cause and their families who supported them."

Senior twin brothers Nick and Mike M0naghan both raised money to have their heads shaved for the event.

"My brother and I originally shaved our heads for cancer awareness during our freshman year," said Nick Monaghan. "I was watching ESPN and saw a story about a high school athlete who could no longer play because he had cancer...All he wanted was for his team to win the state championships.  He died shortly before the championship game. He really inspired me to make a difference."

Nick's brother, Mike, said the fundraising effort proved high school kids aren't all about having fun.

"I am a very generous person and like helping other people in need," Mike Monaghan said. "Many people have the misconception that high school kids are all about having fun...This was an opportunity for us to get to get together and show what we can do."

The last student to have her head shaved was sophomore Kali Lueken, who personally raised nearly $5,000 for the event in memory of a childhood friend she lost to cancer in February.

The assembly concluded with Sweeney addressing the crowds with her best friend, eight-year-old Nate Pautsch, who was also getting his head shaved.

"This is a  very important cause to me because I know a lot of kids who have not survived their cancer and what Nate is doing today will help find a cure for childhood cancer," said Sweeney. "Whenever I would get teased about my hair, I would always ask my Mom to call Nate because I knew he would stick up for me. Nate was my friend when I was sick and he is still helping me fight the war against childhood cancer. I wish everyone could have a friend like Nate.  Thank you Nate and thank you to everyone here today who is raising money to help find a cure for kids like me."

According to the foundation's website, St. Baldrick's funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.

Since 2000, "shavees" have raised more then $90 million for life-saving research, and each is a walking billboard for the cause.