Three Mountaineers to Go Bald to Help Fight Cancer

When West Orange High School junior Luke Adelhelm transferred from Seton Hall Prep after his freshman year, he brought with him not only hockey skills, but compassion for those fighting a monstrous foe.

As a freshman, he joined the Knights of Setonia at Seton Hall Prep. In September of the school year, students may choose to declare themselves Knight of Setonia by making a three-fold pledge: to attend all Knights masses; make weekly chapel visits; perform 20 hours of service.

As part of the community service, Adelhelm chose to become a shavee, to shave his head to help raise money to find cures for childhood cancers through St. Baldrick's Foundation. The foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

Adelhelm said he had heard of the foundation through a family member. Adelhelm's mother, Lori Eberle, said that her son raised $300.

"When you consider most people are giving $5 to $10, that's quite a bit," she said. Last year, his first year at West Orange High, Luke invited his teammates to join him. Zack Coppola, also a junior on the hockey team, also took part. This year, they'll be joined by freshman teammate Alec Hill.

On March 5 at 3 p.m at the Cedar Grove Elks Clubs at 405 Bowden Road in Cedar Grove, the three will have their heads shaved in efforts to raise money for children suffering with cancer. St. Baldrick's, the sponsoring organization, has raised nearly $69 million for pediatric cancer research since 2000.

"I thought 'why not keep doing it,' " said Adelhelm, a defenseman on the hockey team. "That's the least I can do for kids who are suffering. I'm trying to set an example. If people don't want to shave their hair, they can at least donate."

Those who want to donate can visit www.stbaldricks.org and click on "Donate Now" in the box on the upper right corner. You then click "Donate to a Team," and enter "West Orange High School Hockey" and click search. From there, you will be directed to the team page. You can donate directly to the team or can click "View Team Page" and then "Team Members" and donate on behalf of Luke, Zack and Alec.

Of course, you can become a "Shavee" yourself by clicking "participate with this team" once you are on the team page.