Members of a Drexel University fraternity will shave their heads March 14 to raise awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.
For seven years, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has partnered with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which holds head-shaving events in order to raise money for cancer research. According to the St. Baldrick’s website, the organization provides funding for cooperative research through the Children’s Oncology Group and is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants.
Leading up to the event, the fraternity members have worked to collect funds for the foundation by sharing their donation pages on social media and by panhandling in Philadelphia. In 2007, they held their first St. Baldrick’s event, which honored fraternity brother and childhood cancer survivor Dave Zilly, and have been donating to the organization ever since.
In six years, the SigEp members have raised over $212,000, according to USA Today. This year, they’re hoping to meet their goal of $55,000.
“I’ll walk around for 2-3 weeks completely bald, which helps me educate anyone I come into contact with about childhood cancer,” says Drexel student Jim Tyrrell. “It’s incredible knowing that I’m making a push.”