The Turn & St. Baldricks

There is a national organization called St. Baldricks that benefits children with cancer. From their website:  “St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.” 

Immediately following the RVC St. Patrick’s Parade, a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser was held at the local parish center. Eric (who has appeared here on the bsquared blog a number of times in the past and who is Brian of The Turn’s big brother) volunteered to be a shavee, and I was asked along to document the whole process.

I  already thought that Eric was a great guy with a big heart, but doing this just proved that all the more.  This is a cause that is very close to both Brian and Eric’s hearts (not to mention their dad, Geoff, who unfortunately couldn’t be there that day no matter how much he wanted to. Hopefully the pictures will be as close to being there as possible.). Their mom, Lynn, passed away from cancer when they were very young. This was a wonderful tribute to her memory and further proof of what good boys she raised.

Eric signed in but we were told there was a VERY long wait, so we ran over to Kookaburra Coffee Co. in town. This is where Brian and Eric have their office and spend a LOT of time. Everyone there was pretty excited to hear about what Eric was about to do.

After quite a while, it was finally Eric’s turn. And the shaving of the giant, thick mop of hair on his head commenced.

The before and after. And the during and after (they take that hair down LOW). And also the remains of the after. That’s a lot of hair!

While Eric was under the razor, Brian was watching on and totally teared up.  And then when Eric was finished… Well, I felt a little like I was invading a moment here, but it was so special between super close brothers and I knew their Dad would want to see it, so I snapped it. I know their mom was looking over them and was as proud as a mom could be (yeah, crying a little myself right now … and I know you are too).

After chatting with the volunteers and showing them his new look, they wanted to head back to Kookaburra (Eric couldn’t seem to stop touching his “new” head!) where everyone had a look and couldn’t resist touching it too.

To see a slideshow of all the images of Eric and Brian at St. Baldricks, please click HERE.