For more than a decade, Schaumburg High School has been part of a powerful tradition—one that involves courage, community, and a lot of shaved heads. This year marks the school’s 9th biennial St. Baldrick’s event, and once again students and staff came together to raise money for childhood cancer research. With the theme “Why It Matters,” this year’s event reminded everyone of the reason behind the fundraising: supporting kids and families in one of life’s toughest battles.
Schaumburg High School first joined the fight in 2010 when the community rallied to support one of its own students battling cancer. What began as a way to show solidarity quickly became a meaningful tradition that continues today. Although many years have passed, the mission remains the same: raise money to help scientists find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for pediatric cancer.
The event is part of the work of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research that specifically targets childhood cancers. Events like St. Baldrick’s help close the gap in childhood cancer research by supporting scientists who are working to develop safer and more effective treatments for young patients.
This year’s event saw an incredible turnout. A total of 197 participants across 27 teams stepped up to take part in the fundraiser, helping raise over $82,000 dollars for childhood cancer research, placing SHS as the top fundraising high school in the country.
Many students and staff members also shaved their heads to stand in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. Others cut their ponytails to donate their hair to children battling cancer who are experiencing hair loss, while some participants supported the cause by focusing on fundraising and spreading awareness.
For many staff members, the event carries years of meaning and connection to the school community. Mr. Davis, a top-three donor this year, has been involved since the school’s first event.
“I have been participating in St. Baldrick’s since 2010,” Davis said. “Johnny Knudsen, the inspiration behind the original St. Baldrick’s here, was one of my lacrosse players. It was easy for me to jump on this because I wanted to support a former player. Since then, it’s developed so much more awareness for people who are struggling with cancer, and everyone’s life gets touched by cancer.”
School leaders say the event reflects the values that define the Schaumburg High School community. Principal Mr. Mocon believes the tradition demonstrates how students and staff come together to support meaningful causes.
“Our participation in St. Baldrick’s really reflects the kind of community we strive to be at SHS,” Mr. Mocon said. “We show up for others and rally around meaningful causes. When our students and staff volunteer, donate, or even shave their heads, it sends a powerful message that we care about more than just what happens inside our school walls.”Throughout the fundraising process, the Schaumburg community developed a variety of unique and collaborative strategies. Many participants sold treats and crafts to raise money, while the broader school community wore green every Tuesday, participated in the Second-Hour Showdown, and joined Tuesday treasure hunts to build excitement for the final assembly. Various clubs and activitiesalso held their own fundraisers and created the dozens of posters that now line the school’s walls.
Other students were motivated by the broader impact the fundraiser can have for children battling cancer. Emilia Henc, another participant who raised more than $1,000, reflects on her own experiences with cancer and said the goal is to help ensure better treatment opportunities for young patients.
“My mom was a large factor behind the reason I joined. When I was four years old, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. However, thanks to the treatments and doctors available to her, she was able to overcome cancer and is now more than 10 years cancer-free. I hope that St. Baldrick’s can provide a similar experience to children all around the world currently diagnosed with a form of pediatric cancer. “
But beyond the numbers, the heart of this year’s theme—“Why It Matters”—lies with the children and families who inspire the event. The honored kids, as well as all children fighting cancer, serve as the reason the Schaumburg community continues to participate year after year. Their stories remind everyone why raising awareness and funding research is so important.
No family should have to face the loss of a child. By supporting St. Baldrick’s, students and staff helped researchers move closer to treatments that save lives and give kids the chance to grow up healthy.
This year, Schaumburg High School is once again proving that when a community comes together for a cause, it can make a real difference. And that’s exactly why it matters.