'Shave-A-Life' participants fighting childhood cancer by buzzing heads

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Just a few things people could get at The Mill in Lincoln on Sunday include: a chai tea latte, a black coffee, or a buzzcut.

It was where Firespring hosted their “Shave-A-Life” event, where participants shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research.

All of the money raised was donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, one of the nations leading non-profits in funding pediatric cancer research.

14 participants lost their locks on Sunday, kicked off by Firespring CEO Troy Jensen.

Jensen held a special tie to the cause as well: his son Peter was diagnosed with bone cancer back in 2020.

“He went though nine rounds of chemotherapy in nine month and spent about 125 days in the hospital,” Jensen said. “The majority of kids who have cancer when they’re young end up with sort of chronic issues long term. That’s part of what the research goes toward, is helping those kids live their best lives.”

Each participant raised funds through donations, with some even offering up their beards on-the-spot to raise a few hundred more.

Others are doing more than just shaving with their hair.

“I’m giving my hair to Wigs For Kids,” Ashley Frevert, a shavee, said. “I just think it was the right thing to do.”

This was the fifteenth shaving event that Firespring has hosted to raise money for St. Baldricks.

In the fourteen leading up to Sunday’s, they have been able to raise more than $250,000 to donate towards the cause.

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2024 KOLN. All rights reserved.