Brave the Shave to Raise Money for Childhood Cancer

Murfreesboro Medical Clinic excitedly anticipates the 7th annual Bald in the Boro event on March 17th at Lanes Trains and Automobiles. As a sponsor for this event, MMC strives to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a program which funds childhood cancer research.

What exactly is Bald in the Boro? This community wide event involves a head-shaving tradition, buzzing bald heads in exchange for donations to St. Baldrick’s. Hundreds of participants have ‘braved the shave’ in years past, allowing this event to raise over $280,000 to support childhood cancer research.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation reports more children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease. Before they turn 20, about one in 300 boys and one in 333 girls will have cancer. Worldwide, a child is diagnosed every three minutes. As a volunteer-driven charity, St. Baldrick’s strives to reduce these diagnosis statistics. Each year stylists from The Beehive Salon volunteer their time to shave participants' heads.

Out of all of the funding allocated by congress each for year for cancer research, only 4% is used to fund pediatric cancer – the vast majority is spent on adult cancers. Last year alone, St. Baldrick’s Foundation granted more than $24 million dollars for childhood cancer research. “Our Bald in the Boro event began in 2011. Since that time we have raised more than $280,000, bringing much needed awareness to the need for increased funding, and allowing families in our community to be involved in finding cures,” Dr. Jeremy Harrison, MMC Pediatrician said.

Dr. Harrison has been a leader and founder of the Bald in the Boro event in Rutherford County since the beginning. “I do it every year! The work made possible by St. Baldrick’s is something I’m truly passionate about,” stated Dr. Harrison. “It’s hard to miss a bunch of shaved heads around town. It definitely makes people aware.”

Seven years of dedication and participation have earned Dr. Harrison, among several others event organize, shavees and volunteers, a seat at the “Knights of the Bald Table.” These supporters will be honored on the night of the event this year, and awarded for their service. Knighting ceremony will take place at 6pm on the night of the event.

Bald in the Boro welcomes people of all ages to ‘brave the shave,’ or simply donate in honor of the cause. To participate or learn more about the event, visit baldintheboro.com or join us this Friday, March 17th at Lanes Trains and Automobiles.