Locals to shave heads for charity today

More than 40 participants are expected to get their heads shaved and go bald to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation on Sunday, March 11.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the federal government. St. Baldrick’s groups across the nation are gathering to shave their heads in honor of children with cancer who often lose their hair during treatment. Those who volunteer to have their heads shaved request donations from family and friends to go toward childhood cancer research.

The Goose’s Acre Bistro and Irish Pub in The Woodlands is set to host a St. Baldrick’s head shaving event beginning at 3 p.m. and running until late in the evening. It has set a goal of raising $50,000 by the end of the event and organizers

have raised $7,700 so far.

Johnny Hennigan, who originated the event 12 years ago, listed the staggering statistics for childhood cancer as one reason why the event exists.

“One out of five children that are diagnosed with cancer will not survive,” Hennigan said. “Four out of five children will have long-term disabilities or issues, and every two minutes a child will be diagnosed with cancer.”

Hennigan added that since 2000, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has donated $230 million for the sole purpose of researching childhood cancer.

According to information on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation website, there are more than a dozen types of childhood cancer and countless subtypes, “Each requiring specific research to develop the best treatment for every child,” . “But in the last 20 years, only four new drugs have been approved that were specifically developed to treat children with cancer. Less than 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is solely dedicated to childhood cancer research.”

Men, women and even children will participate in Sunday’s event at The Goose’s Acre to help raise more funds, Hennigan said.

One of those getting their head shaved is Jimmy Atkinson, known to many as “Mr. Jimmy,” who has worked as a custodian at a local elementary school for 33 years and is passionate about raising funds to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

“I don’t think anybody ever deserves cancer. For children to have to deal with it and rob their childhood—that’s just not right. I‘ve known too many children affected by cancer and it’s not right. We need to find a cure,” he said.

Atkinson said he’s known friends and people in the school that have had cancer and wants to do all he can to support them.

“Kids are close to my heart and to see them have to deal with cancer—it’s just not worth it,” Atkinson said. “I just encourage anyone that’s able to (shave their head) to do it because it’s for a great cause — for kids that shouldn’t be suffering.”

This is Atkinson eighth year to participate as a shavee at The Goose’s Acre and he has raised more than $200 this year.

“I really enjoy this event to see all the smiles, and it’s all in camaraderie for the kids. The kids need the support,” he added.

The Goose’s Acre head shaving event is the oldest in the Greater Houston area and has raised more than $405,000 in the past 12 years. Items with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation brand logo will be available for purchase at the event to help raise more funds. There also will be a silent auction that will include an autographed 8” x 10” Houston Rockets photograph, a few Astros items and other items.

Hennigan added that those who do not plan to shave their head are still more than welcome to attend the event.

“I would invite people to shave their heads, volunteer, donate or just show up once if you haven’t been and see what we do. You will always come back,” Hennigan said.

The Goose’s Acre is located at 21 Waterway Ave., Suite 140, The Woodlands. For more information about the event, contact Johnny Hennigan at jnhops@yahoo.com or 832-563-8772. To donate to the cause, visit www.stbaldricks.org/ events/mypage/190/2018.

“I don’t think anybody ever deserves cancer. For children to have to deal with it and rob their childhood—that’s just not right. I‘ve known too many children affected by cancer and it’s not right. We need to find a cure.” Jimmy Atkinson, St. Baldrick’s shavee