A University graduate student is organizing a fundraising event on Saturday to raise money for children’s cancer research.Participants will shave their heads in return for pledges of financial support from friends and family. All proceeds go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation — a non-profit organization aimed at raising awareness and funds for children’s cancer research.St. Baldrick’s is the largest volunteer-driven fundraising organization for children’s cancer research.  Events have taken place in 24 countries and all 50 U.S. states, raising more than $68 million for grants and fellowships for research since 2000.Currently, children’s cancer research funding accounts for less than 3 percent of all research funding allotted by the federal government, according to the National Cancer Institute.Danielle LaRock, environmental sciences graduate student, said this is her second time organizing the event and her third time shaving her head.”I’m extremely happy to do it,” LaRock said. “It’s a really good cause.”LaRock said 20 people have signed up to have their heads shaved, and two people are simply donating cut hair to either Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids.LaRock said most of the participants are students.Allie Roberts, biology sophomore, said she is going bald for the second time.So far, Roberts said she has raised $350 in donations from family and friends.”The first time I did this was in St. Louis at an event honoring my cousin,” Roberts said. “I’m definitely proud I’ve done it.”LaRock said participants are encouraged to raise as much money as they can, with donations ranging from the tens to thousands of dollars.LaRock said the overall goal this year will be $20,000.The event will be held at the Varsity Theatre on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To sign up or to donate, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/BatonRouge.
—
Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]