Volunteers go bald to support childhood cancer research

People in Colorado Springs are going bald for a good cause.

Volunteers collected donations and shaved their heads on Saturday to support childhood cancer research.

“It breaks my heart to see children diagnosed with cancer,” Dusty Shutt said. This is the sixth year she’s shaved her head for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “I get a lot of strange looks, but it gives me an opportunity to tell people what it’s all about.”

Ivywild School hosted the 14th annual Colorado Springs St. Baldrick’s Foundation event. The event’s sponsor, Elope Incorporated, is hoping to raise $80,000 for cancer research this year.

“It’s definitely an opportunity to show solidarity with children with cancer,” event co-organizerCarolye Asfahl said. “Children’s cancer research is very underfunded. St. Baldrick’s is the largest private funder of children’s cancer research. We’re happy to help out any way we can.”

The annual fundraiser has become a tradition for some people in the community.

“Someone actually offered me $500 not to shave this year,”Shutt said. “The whole purpose is to stand with the kids who have to lose their hair. That’s why I do it.”

Xander Christoff has raised money and shaved his head for seven years. He raised more than $6,000 for St. Baldrick’s this year.

“A world without cancer is just going to be a better world, especially because it affects children,” he said.

Click here to find a future St. Baldrick’s Foundation event near you and to learn how to donate to cancer research.