Shaving heads to help kids with cancer

Dance students perform an Irish jig to kick off the event. Students and families at Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park had their heads shaved at a pep rally as part of a St. Baldrick's Day event on March 15, 2024. Students at several schools and parishes around the archdiocese participated in the annual event held around St. Patrick’s Day to raise money for pediatric cancer research. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Raymie Henderson makes sure he doesn’t miss a drop while drinking a shake before the start of the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Henry Gruener, Finnegan Hansen, Declan Kennelly and lan Hansen get their heads shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Three-year-old Michael Cachor’s dad takes his picture before his head is shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)Henry Gruener, Finnegan Hansen, Declan Kennelly and lan Hansen get their heads shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Jude Konieczny looks to the stylist before getting his head shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Jude Konieczny has his head shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Gio and Rocco Principato hug while they watch participants. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Willow Gertonson joins classmates in a cheer for the participants. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Silas Gertonson has his head shaved during the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Preschooler Johnny Mayer leans over to see the action while enjoying a green shake. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students and families at Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park cheer for those who are having their heads shaved during a pep rally. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Troy, Thijs and Emma Bofinger, father, brother and sister of Crispin Bofinger, who battled leukemia for over two years, have their heads shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students join Father Benedykt Pazda, pastor, as they cheer for their classmates. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Pazdan escorts Crispin Bofinger, who battled leukemia for more than two years, as they prepare to have their heads shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Pazdan smiles as he and Crispin have their heads shaved. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students do the wave as they cheer for their classmates. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Pazdan gives a thumbs up after having his head shaved. He promised students if they raised at least 10,000 he would “Brave the Bald” again this year. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Kindergartner Crispin Bofinger, who battled leukemia for two years, makes a heart with his hands showing appreciation to everyone at the school for their support. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)