There is no better combination for science teacher Mr. Darrin Ellsworth than helping kids and supporting science. This exact formula is the reason he has chosen to participate in a head-shaving fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation the last three years.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the largest funding resource for childhood cancer research. Since the start of the foundation in 2000, St. Baldrick’s Foundation has successfully raised over two hundred million dollars, which has provided grants to scientists researching potential cures for childhood cancer. Despite this large effort, Mr. Ellsworth recognizes the continued need for advancement.

“A child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes,” Mr. Ellsworth said. “Finding a cure is essential.”

Participants in this foundation’s head-shaving event show solidarity for children who have cancer and lose their hair. In 2016 alone, 46,274 men and women nationwide shaved their heads, raising over thirty-eight million dollars for childhood cancer research.

“Childhood cancers are very different from adult cancers,” Mr. Ellsworth said. “Childhood cancer research does not tend to get funded because there is little profit in it. The money provided by St. Baldrick’s Foundation   fills in this gap in funding.”

On  March 22, Mr. Ellsworth   did  his part in trying to help secure funding by shaving his head. This event was locally organized by the Lambda Chi Alpha at Coe College. Since parent- teacher conferences fell on the same night as this event, Principal Tom Keating gave Mr. Ellsworth the go-ahead to shave his head at school following his conferences.

“One should always find some way to give back; St. Baldrick’s head-shaving became a way for me to give back,” Mr. Ellsworth said. “I don’t have a lot of hair, but what I have, I certainly don’t need, so I found this to be a fun way to raise money for a great cause.”

Seniors Ryan Jasper and Sam Martin, who donated in Mr. Ellsworth’s name, took turns removing his hair after parent-teacher conferences.

“I really support and admire Mr. Ellsworth’s courage and willingness to shave his head in the fight against childhood cancer,” Jasper said. “While I may not have been able to donate a lot of money, every dollar makes a difference in the race to find a cure.”

Although Mr. Ellsworth’s hair has already been removed, his donation page remains live. All donations are appreciated. Visit the following link to donate: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/883669/2017.

Ellie Fischer

News Editor