St. Baldrick's has funded millions in childhood cancer research and holds events all across the globe.
This weekend, for the first time ever, it's hosting an event in Grand Junction and it's thanks to a local family.
Neal Carmine was in his mid twenties when he was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer and chose to fight it.
His mother, Harriet Carmine, says, "They used chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and everything that they could possibly throw at his cancer."
It was during his treatment that Neal and his family first heard about the ST. Baldrick's Foundation and its signature head shaving event.
"Neal went and he actually got to shave his oncologist, which was so much fun,” Harriet said.
That summer, at 26-years old, Neal lost his battle to cancer.
"What so many people don't know is that childhood cancer actually kills more children than aids, asthma, defects combined," Harriet said.
Over the years, Neal’s family has continued to support St. Baldrick's and its efforts to support childhood cancer research.
"They raise the largest number of funds for childhood cancer research next to the federal government, none other," Harriet said.
So they're organizing Grand Junction’s first ever St. Baldrick's event.
Neal’s sister, Robyn Carmine, says, "We had to get the word out and do a lot of legwork to get people to volunteer. It’s been pretty amazing.”
Harriet says, "The event is growing like wildfire. We know how difficult it is to loose a child. We do it so others don't have to do it."
More than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.
It remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S.
Grand Junction has proclaimed this week St. Baldrick's week and Saturday St. Baldrick's day.
That’s when individuals and teams will be shaving their heads.
The event is from noon to four at Naggy McGee’s.
Even if you don't want to shave your head, the Carmines encourage everyone to check out the event and support cancer research.
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