Shaving their heads to fight cancer

An Oceanside teacher raised more than $6,000 for childhood cancer research by going bald.

Amy Simon, who teaches second grade at School No. 4, had her head shaved last Sunday in Amityville to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, a charity that has people shave their heads to raise money for research into childhood cancers.

“It was emotional,” said Simon of the shave. Her 13-year-old daughter, Sami, got to do the first shave on her head. “I didn’t know how I’d feel afterwards. I’m very proud. I’m honored to be able to do this.” Her brother, David Schwartz, also participated and helped raise money.

They did it for the memory of Shamus Ward, a student who died of cancer in 2009. He would have graduated high school last year.

Before the big shave, another teacher, Susan Bruno, made a video to explain to the kids why Simon would be bald. Librarian Mary Herman showed the video to every child the week before the shave. Two third graders — Daniel Nolan and Sebastian Morales — were inspired to also raise money and shave their heads.

Together the team of four raised $6,221. Videos of Simon and Daniel’s shaves can be seen on the twitter account OSchoolsPR.

As for rocking the bald look? Simon says she’s going to wear big earrings and more makeup. “That’s it until my hair grows back,” she said. “It’s fine. I’m more comfortable than I thought I would be. I think the growing out process will be awkward though.”