RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In a heartfelt endeavor to combat childhood cancer, Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, is gearing up to host an event in collaboration with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, this signature head-shaving event aims to raise crucial funds for lifesaving childhood cancer research.
With an ambitious goal of raising $28,000, participants from all walks of life will gather to either shave their heads or chop their locks, all in solidarity with the Foundation's mission to fund groundbreaking research for pediatric cancer. The event boasts a diverse lineup of shavees and choppers, including over 95 individuals ranging from students, faculty, administrators, alumni, cancer survivors, and family members. The age range of participants spans from as young as 6 to over 70 years old, underscoring the broad community support behind this noble cause.
Every facet of Riverdale's vibrant campus on Warrior Drive is deeply involved in the upcoming fundraiser. From the Student Council to the Band members, Cheerleaders, and members of the JROTC Program, the entire school community is rallying together to make a meaningful impact. This tradition traces back 12 years when the school first initiated their fundraising efforts, in response to a student's diagnosis with neuroblastoma.
The significance of this event is deeply rooted in the school's history, particularly with the memory of Taylor Filorimo, a beloved 16-year-old Riverdale High School softball player who tragically lost her battle with renal cell carcinoma in 2012 after a valiant three-year fight. Since then, the school has remained steadfast in its fundraising efforts, channeling resources towards research aimed at finding a cure for childhood cancer. This initiative has not only united the school but also fostered a cherished tradition within the wider community.
Riverdale High School, home to over 2,000 students, stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against childhood cancer, a disease that affects far too many young lives. Shockingly, statistics reveal that one in five children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will not survive, which highlights the urgent need for continued research and support.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation, recognized as the nation's largest private charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, has been at the forefront of this battle. In the past year alone, the Foundation allocated an impressive $8.4 million in grants to 34 projects at 23 leading academic and research institutions, all dedicated to advancing the search for cures and improved treatments for childhood cancers.
As the Riverdale community comes together once again to shave their heads and honor the memory of those lost to cancer, their collective efforts serve as a ray of light for countless children and families affected by this devastating disease. Through their unwavering dedication and support, they reaffirm their commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer warriors everywhere.
For more information, check out the event page: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/WarriorsBattle2024
