UW-La Crosse students gathered in the Recreational Eagle Center on the afternoon of April 9 in order to fundraise for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The proceeds help children with cancer and go toward childhood cancer research. Students could also volunteer to shave or cut their locks to either donate or show their support. By shaving their heads, volunteers can inspire others to donate money to the cause and help raise awareness of childhood cancer. Students attending could also enter raffles to win various prices throughout the event, watch and support students who chose to donate their hair, and buy St. Baldrick’s merchandise. The annual event hoped to raise $15,000 dollars this year, adding to the $130,000 that has been raised by UW-L students in the past decade through this event. Love Your Melon and Caretaker Support also joined the St. Baldrick’s team for this year’s fundraiser.

St. Baldrick’s is one of UW-L’s most beloved traditions among students. One of the event organizers, Andie Coxey, loves the community connection that the event brings to campus. “Not only do you get to witness the UW-L community coming together to support each other,” said Coxey, “but also the La Crosse community.”  Another student organizer Julie Fuerbringer said, “everyone leaves with empowerment and inspiration from the selflessness of everyone willing to help children overcome cancer.” The event is traditionally done by Coate Hall, which is how they first became involved with the program three years ago. Both students agree that seeing everyone work together in order to make a change for those affected by the disease is a beautiful thing.

Student Ketura Luginbuhl first heard of UW-L’s St. Baldrick’s event when she was still in high school. After looking into it, she immediately knew she wanted to be involved when she attended UW-L. Last year, she donated ten inches of her hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. After that experience, she knew she wanted to do more and decided to shave her head at this year’s St. Baldrick’s event. “There have been so many people in my life affected by cancer,” said Luginbuhl, “so raising money for research and shaving my head is my way of showing support and love to all those people.” Her dad agreed to join her for the event, and she was excited to “brave the shave” with him. Together, Luginbuhl and her supporters have raised about $600 for St. Baldrick’s. She’s also looking forward to seeing other student participants around campus in order to make connections and continue the support for this event.

Last year, there were more than 50 people who made the decision to donate their hair and raised around $14,200. This year, the goal is around $15,000. The event was run by about 40 student volunteers, who helped to set up and manage the event, and was organized by both Coate and White Hall. “Together, all of us are working towards making a difference,” said Luginbuhl, “it’s amazing to be a part of.”