Rockville Centre goes bald again

Cancer Survivor Doug Gonzalez shaved the head of his second-grade teacher Keith Eckert.

Courtesy Chris McKeough

Karen Jahn, a cancer survivor and five-time shavee, raised more than $7,000 for St. Baldrick’s this year.

Courtesy Chris McKeough

All multiple-time shavees and buddies, SSMS students Jacques Charvet, left, Brady Bender and JT Travers raised more than $4,000 this year.

Courtesy Chris McKeough

Molly Guarton, a cancer survivor, shaved the head of her brother, Billy.

Nicole Gubelli/Herald

• 
• 
• 
• 

“Bald is beautiful,” called a voice from the other side of the St. Agnes Parish Center on March 21. Buzzers were going and the room was filled with families and participants at the 12th annual St. Baldrick’s shaving event.

Attracting about 1,000 participants and spectators who helped raise an estimated $175,000 as of March 24 (a number that is expected to grow as donations keep coming in), it is easy to say that this was yet another successful year.

About 160 shavees of all ages joined on stage as six barbers held buzzers and were shaving heads non-stop for five hours.

The community came together in helping orchestrate the event. A live performance by the local band Witches Brew went on all day, and the food was donated by a variety of local businesses, including George Martin, Brower Avenue Market, Parmagianni, Busco’s deli, Front Street Pizzeria, Gino’s, Palace of Wong, Associated, Paradisio, Greek Town, Happy Hostess, Ayhan’s, and Coach Realtors. Games and activities were available throughout the parish center for children.

The event brought in many new heads to shave, as well as many that come every year.

Doug Gonzalez, a South Side Middle School cancer survivor attended the event. Last year, he shaved his father’s head. This year it was his second grade Riverside Elementary School teacher, Keith Eckert’s turn.

Molly Guarton, a 13-year-old middle schooler from Massapequa, has been cancer-free nine years as of March 10. She was diagnosed with leukemia when she was a baby and thanks to treatment and support, is now cancer free. She spoke to the crowd at Saturday’s event.

“You are not just doing a good deed, you are saving lives,” she said. “You are all heroes and I can’t thank you enough.”

She then proceeded to put the buzzer to her older brother’s head. Her brother Billy is 17 and has been shaving his head for St. Baldrick’s for eight years.

For many, the event has become a tradition. Whole families attended, filling the room with energy, cheers, smiles and claps — a tradition that continues to grow and raise awareness about childhood cancer as the years progress.