U.S. Moms Go Bald to Support Childhood Cancer Research at Eighth Annual St. Baldrick's Head-Shaving Event

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Jul 11, 2017, 13:34 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, July 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women whose lives have been affected by childhood cancer will come together to shave their heads in solidarity for kids with cancer at the eighth annual 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave event, hosted by the St. Baldrick's Foundation – the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. This year, the Mommas will travel back to Texas, where they hit the $1 million fundraising mark in 2013, for the "Don't Mess with Mommas" shave at The Oasis in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, July 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The 46 Mommas team was created in 2010 and named to reflect the reality that each weekday in North America, 46 mothers, on average, are told that their child has cancer. Each year, a new group of "Mommas" engage and empower fellow parents of children with cancer by coming together to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.

"The 46 Mommas community that we have created and maintained over the years is like one big family. We welcome new Mommas each year, but also have shavees that have been around since the beginning," said Courtney Moore, 5-year co-organizer of the 46 Mommas event. "My daughter, Georgia, recently shaved her head to celebrate 5 years off treatment. I will shave this year to honor her and all she's accomplished. For many of us, raising funds and hope through this event is our favorite way to celebrate the lives of the children who have fought or are currently fighting cancer."

Long-standing St. Baldrick's volunteer and supporter, Judy Sanders, is shaving with the Mommas this year in remembrance of her son, Alan, who was a 2014 Ambassador for the Foundation, representing that 1 in 5 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will not survive. This year, Alan would have been 10 years old, giving deeper meaning to her goal to raise $10,000 by his birthday on Nov. 7, which she has already successfully exceeded.

First time shavee and team captain, Joscelyn Laurence, is also shaving with the Mommas this year in memory of her son, River, who sadly lost his battle with neuroblastoma in June. With such a fresh perspective of the realities of childhood cancer, Joscelyn is passionate about helping raise funds for the most-promising childhood cancer research St. Baldrick's supports.

The class of 2017 has raised more than $71,000 for research to help find a cure for children's cancers, adding to the impressive overall total of more than $2 million raised by the Mommas to date.

Support the 46 Mommas by visiting the 46 Mommas campaign page and become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Contact the 46 Mommas at [email protected].

To get involved with St. Baldrick's, visit StBaldricks.org, and connect onFacebook, Twitter, YouTube or Medium.

About St. Baldrick's Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick's Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick's funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best cancer treatments for kids.

SOURCE St. Baldrick's Foundation