What began as a small initiative to support childhood cancer research has grown into a major annual tradition at St. Alexander School in Palos Heights, bringing together students, faculty, and community members for a cause that has raised more than $95,000 since 2017.
“This was a way for us to help those in need,” said St. Alexander third-grader Colin Byrne, 9, of Palos Heights.
At the heart of it all was St. Alexander’s own Stacy Sheerin, who had organized the event since its inception. Sheerin set an ambitious goal: reaching the $100,000 milestone by the tenth year of the event — a goal that appears will be easy to meet given the event’s history.
“This was our first time hosting St. Baldrick’s during a school day since COVID happened, and we were really excited,” Sheerin said. “It was wonderful to have the entire student body in attendance again, along with parents and grandparents there to support the kids who shaved.”
St. Alexander Principal Sharon O’Toole shared in the excitement of the day.
“I was very proud to host the St. Baldrick’s event at our school,” O’Toole said. “I don’t think there is any family that has not been impacted by cancer in some manner, and seeing our young students shave their heads to raise money for children they didn’t even know was amazing. It spoke volumes about what we teach every day – living out the Beatitudes.”
A total of 32 students committed to shaving their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer. They weren’t alone, as St. Alexander’s Associate Pastor, Rev. Colm Mitchell, and Sheerin herself also participated in the shave-a-thon.
“In the nine years we have hosted this at St. Al’s, we raised over $90,000,” Sheerin said. “Nearly reaching the $100,000 mark this year was a huge accomplishment, considering the small number of students who shave each year, which is typically about 30.”
The event took place on Thursday, March 13, at St. Alexander School, located at 7025 W. 126th St. Seventh-grader Gabe Suchinski was especially proud to take part.
“I did this because I didn’t want kids with cancer to think they’re different,” said Gabe, 12, of Palos Heights.
Adding to the excitement, the school hosted an assembly featuring Irish dancers and a performance by the Raider Cheerleaders, making the event as lively as it was meaningful.
“Our goal wasn’t just to raise money – it was to raise awareness and show support in a really visible way,” Sheerin said. “A lot of these kids already get buzz cuts, but doing this in front of the entire school showed that they were serious about the cause.”
For Sheerin, this year’s event was particularly personal.
“This year, I shaved my head as well,” she said. “I had coordinated this event as a parent, but now I am also the P.E. teacher at St. Al’s. My son was in eighth grade, and this was his last year to shave. I had wanted to shave for a while, and this seemed like the perfect time to do it.”
Sheerin emphasized the unique impact of the fundraiser.
“St. Baldrick’s is special because the money raised helps children with cancer, and what’s even more unique is that the money stays in the Chicagoland area to support pediatric cancer research,” she said.
For Sheerin, shaving her head was a small sacrifice for a cause she believed in deeply.
“I believe in this cause,” she said. “There are so many families who struggle when their child is sick. I wish we could eradicate all childhood illnesses. This foundation really works to continue research and find a cure. I was also very lucky that my hair will grow back. Shaving my head was a small price to pay.”
Donations can still be made online at https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/raiders25.