Students Raise Funds, Shave Heads for Childhood Cancer Research 

A student-led initiative to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research netted $10,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation on March 31.

The brainchild of Mario Cimino ’17, president of the Student Leadership Council, last Friday’s event drew attention and support from the entire Xavier community. Students donated $50 to shave their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. They also set fundraising goals that, if met, would trigger certain faculty members to shave their heads as well. Math teacher Evan Bernstein ’04, computer science and technology department chair Mike Chiafulio, guidance counselor Joseph Guglielmo, English teacher Jozeph Herceg, science teacher Daryn Johnson, and history teacher John McGoldrick all shaved their heads, while guidance counselor Tom Gibbons, associate director of admissions Billy Maloney ’01, and science teacher Patrick Drennan P’16—having no hair to shave!—all wore long wigs for the day.

"When I heard about the St. Baldrick's fundraiser, I thought volunteering to shave my head would be an awesome way to motivate students to raise money." Guglielmo said. "As faculty members, we have so many opportunities to get involved in our school community. I had a good amount of hair on my head and this sounded like a fun event that would raise money for a great cause. I'm really proud of the SLC for organizing such a successful fundraiser."  

“This was the first event, so I wasn’t sure how it would go—but it was a huge success,” said Cimino, who first heard about St. Baldrick’s from Xavier trustee Bill Kelly '91. “I loved how everyone came to watch. We had six teachers volunteer for the event, teachers who had their heads shaved, and teachers wearing wigs. We also had an alum, Stephen Latalardo '85, who came and raised $3,150.”

Cimino said he is also grateful to Dramatics NYC, a hair salon on Fifth Avenue that sent stylists to volunteer at the event. He hopes the event continues to flourish in years to come, both at Xavier and elsewhere. “Part of the reason for this event was to challenge Fordham Prep to raise more awareness as well,” he said. “We’re spreading awareness of childhood cancer, in person and through social media.”

"We hope to build on that success next year," added history department chair Ed Young, "and look forward to word spreading throughout the Xavier family about this wonderful way of fighting back against cancer."